Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Sacandaga Valley Folklore A Witch at Fish House?

Folklore stories are susceptible to changes made over the years of telling. Some may deviate from the original by information added or omitted or an educated guess here or there. This one is no different.
This story takes place in the area known as Fish House being the first settlement along the Sacandaga River Valley. Settled in 1771 (possibly a little before that) by Godfrey Shew devoted patriot and prominent citizen. Pamelia Shew was the daughter of Henry, granddaughter of Godfrey and in papers penned by family members mention is made of the following story:

It was an evening in November 1857. The cold rain pelted the ground . Pamelia, her husband Samuel Finch, and their two daughters were inside a warm cabin with the supper soup simmering over the fireplace when a knock came to the heavy plank door and a thin, high, voice called “Hello is anyone home?” Not thinking anyone would be out on a cold, wet, night such as this, Samuel paused before opening the door. Again a knock came … and a voice… “Hello?”

Samuel opened the door and there stood a woman in a thoroughly soaked cloak . Her dark eyes were wide and dark hair hung in wet lanks. She informed him she was a stranger in these parts and could not find lodging. She was welcomed in and provided with warm clothing while hers dried by the fire. The family invited her to their table for warm soup and home made bread to which the woman expressed her thanks and told them, in a cryptic kind of way, that they would not be sorry for their hospitality. After the dishes were done and the children were in bed the stranger informed the couple that she could see into the past and the future. The Finchs were god fearing people but curiosity getting the better of them or maybe not wanting to be rude they sat as the stranger continued .
She asked for a pencil , but wanted no paper. And then she curled her fingers around it with her left hand and made movements as if to write then stated “This is how the Reverend Jonathan Finch had to write after he received a wound in the Revolutionary War”. The war had ended some 74 years earlier in 1783. Indeed this injury was known to the family, but how this stranger would know was a question that was left unasked. She went on to say “ You had a baby born to you. But you waited to long to name him and he was taken from you by death. If you ever have another son you should name him after his father’s mother who is no longer living”

Stunned the Finch’s sat at the table when Samuel replied “My mother’s name was Betsy Clement” The woman again said “If you want this son to live, remember what I have said”
The woman spent the night and after breakfast in the morning expressed her thanks, left, and was never seen or heard from again. In time, the Finch’s did give birth to a son and they remembered what the stranger had said and named him Henry Clement Finch.

A few years later preparations were being made for Henry Shew’s 75th birthday . Pamelia had left the house and the sisters had been left to care for their younger brother. At four years old Henry Clement was adventurous boy and he and a friend were outside playing that winter day when a horse drawn log truck from Maxon Mountain came down the road with a full load on it’s way to the banks of the Sacandaga to dump it to await the spring river drive to Conklingville.

The two boys hitched a ride. After the driver had dumped the load and left they continued their play on the ice covered logs that had been dumped there from previous loads. Henry Clement spying a snow mound, which he thought he could slide down, climbed upon it. The mound was an air hill. He broke through it to the freezing cold water below. His young friend, terrified, fled and left him there. He struggled to pull the weight of himself and his soaking wet clothes by pushing his hands against the ice that remained around the hole he was in and got himself out. Then walked home. His sisters removed him from his frozen clothes, warmed him up and changed him into party attire then attended their grandfathers party. Aside from hot sweats and cold chills, their brother was fine.

It’s just an educated guess but the assumption can be made that the sisters were probably well scolded for not paying closer attention to their brother as the story was revealed. They were probably busy getting themselves ready for the party. Henry Clement Finch may have become less adventurous after that incident .He grew to reach adulthood and became a doctor. As for the stranger, many people in those days labeled others with unusual demeanor or aptitude with the name “witch” or “seer” or worse. Her message appeared quite dark, so could be misconstrued as evil or foreboding. However great faith could also overcome anything. So this story can also remind one of a verse that reads: Be kind to strangers; for many have entertained angels unaware.

Reference Shoo-fly and other folk tales from upstate NY D. Sawyer

by Lorraine Frasier

Sacandaga Park

1875 to the early 1900’s

It all started in 1875 the area just south of Northville. First the quiet riverside spot was used by a Methodist encampment making the trek there by horseback and stage. Tents were arranged in a circle. Rustic benches were built in the center of the circle to accommodate services held on Sundays. Spending summers among the tall pines by the river was a peaceful place to congregate.

Eventually, tents gave way to cottages and it was then that the pine grove gained attention by groups of businessmen from Northville, Gloversville, and Johnstown. The existing railroad the Fonda, Johnstown, Gloversville (FJ & G) could be extended to points north by additional track. Construction of the track was initiated in 1872 by the businessmen. The Town of Northampton was in support of the construction and raised $200,000 through stock subscriptions. Although the distance was relatively short (16 miles from Gloversville to the park) even with that funding the group had to give up construction and the venture went into bankruptcy. The track was acquired by the FJ&G and completed 1875 .

With the track to the park in place, the first train station in the park was nothing more than a wooden platform with a timber built turntable farther north on the track. After buying 17 acres, the railroad hired out the picnic grove for various groups like the Salvation Army and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. With it’s growing popularity the railroad rented the picnic grounds to a German society who arrived at the station with a railroad car full of barrels of beer. The Methodists, infuriated, put their cottages up for sale and moved on to a quieter retreat in Round Lake. Only a few of the cottages were owned by the railroad at that time which they rented for $50.00 to $100.00 per month or $90.00 to $250.00 per season depending on the accommodations.

The railroad began construction in 1888 on the first hotel, The Adirondack Inn. The Inn was 4 stories high had 100 rooms and could accommodate 250 guests. Two large balconies were built on the first and second floors were people could sit and enjoy the bands and activities that took place on the lawn. The Inn was also across from the railroad platform providing easy access to guests.
Disaster struck in the spring of 1898 when 111 privately built cottages burned in the park. The blaze started in an unoccupied cottage at 10:30 PM. The fire leapt from the cottages to the pine trees which dropped embers on the roofs of other cottages heavily laden with pine needles. An attempt was made to dynamite to provide a firebreak but to no avail. It took only two hours to reduce the cottages to a pile of smoldering ash.

This setback actually facilitated the construction of a more expanded form of the park. The railroad bought 700 acres. They then divided some of the acreage up into 40” by 60” parcels and proceeded to build better cottages, installed water & sewer. The railroad owned all the land and cottages and everyone either leased or rented from them. The vision for an amusement park had begun. In a few short years arbors, gardens, lovers lanes and ponds appeared. Also a midway that included two carousels, roller coaster, shooting gallery, house of fun, bowling alley, souvenir shops, burro rides, roller skating rink, toboggan slides that propelled beach goers directly into the river, picnic grounds, open air rustic theater, a 9 hole golf course, canoes and boats for rent, more hotels, and nearly a mile of sandy shore line on the river.

A bridge was built complete with a miniature train to transport people to a 60 acre island in the middle of the river named Sport Island. This was developed for sporting events complete with a baseball stadium. It also provided a venue for hot air balloon ascensions were daring feats would be performed high above the heads of the spectators. Also boxing matches and militia reenactments of various battles. The wooden bridge was removable to accommodate for log drives and the winter ice.
By 1905 the FJ&G controlled or owned everything in the park. The visitors were coming in droves to spend time enjoying the summer months. The summer of 1906 brought 75,000 visitors and in 1907 90,000. The park had it’s own police dept and upon the building of the new station in 1922 it’s own post office.


By Lorraine Frasier

Sacandaga Park once had the opportunity to share the same enchantment as Saratoga. The finding of a mineral spring and the idea of a casino didn’t happen at the same time, or even in the same decade, but one may have eventually led to the idea of the other. The account of the mineral spring follows:
June 1875: A sulpher and chalybeate spring has been discovered by Mr. John Ressigue on the line of the Northville Railroad, opposite our village. There are traces of soda and minerals, but what kind and how many will only be determined by analysis. There is much jubilation within the community and bordering towns. The curbing will start immediately. A pavilion is being planned to be erected over it but has not yet been completed by the architect. The bottling has already begun, two well known citizens have engaged in it but enterprises have been crippled until better transportation is furnished. Northville is destined to be the site of the new Saratoga.”

Early in the 17th century, chalybeate water was said to have health-giving properties and positive psychological effects. This water was bottled and marketed as Lithia water. One of the main reasons why Lithia Water never was a successful bottled beverage because of the settling of mineral content when the bottle sat for a while. That’s most of the reason why people traveled to drink directly from the spring.

The first draw for visitors to Saratoga were the naturally occurring mineral springs. The springs pre-dated the white man. In 1767 an ailing Sir William Johnson, Superintendent of Indian Affairs and friend of the Mohawks, was transported to Saratoga as he had been stricken very ill from a wound . After spending but a few days drinking from the spring and bathing in the spring waters, the long unhealed wound was made sound. Johnson is generally considered the first white man to 'take the cure.

The FJ& G railroad had finished the Northville line in 1875. Some of the initial work had been started by Northville businessmen who had declared bankruptcy in the endeavor and were bought out by the F.J.&G. In excavation of ground that still needed to be done to complete the line, this celebrated spring must have risen to the surface.

In April 1899 the idea of a casino in Sacandaga Park started with the riverfront property purchase made by the FJ& G Railroad. This purchase was considered the largest and most important real estate transactions that had happened in some time.

In 1898 one hundred and eleven private cottages had burned and the FJ &G had purchased the cottage properties and the entire river front for a mile along it’s shoreline. This allowed the railroad to turn the designated road of 5th avenue, that led east to the riverfront, into the Midway. The cottage of a S.H. Shotwell was to be transformed into a casino. The casino opened in the summer of 1899 for the season and was operated by Patrick H. McDonough of Albany.

In the Fourth Constitution of the State of New York ("The 1894 Constitution") in Article I § 9 provided: “No lottery or the sale of lottery tickets, pool-selling, book making, or any other kind of gambling hereafter be authorized or allowed within this State; and the Legislature shall pass appropriate laws to prevent offenses against any of the provisions of this section." Just how well that law was enforced would be the question. According to Saratoga history the Canfield Casino had been opened in the 1870’s, but was closed by reformers in 1907.

After the 1899 July-September summer season of the casino this information March 1900 was found: “The casino at Sacandaga Park, which created such a commotion among the church people and general public last summer, is to be discontinued. This will be joyfully received as a piece of welcome news. In the casino’s stead will be a first-class hotel and restaurant, free from all objectionable features, is another item that interest the people. But more pleasing still is that it carries with it the assurance that the enterprise is in safe hands having been leased to Richard P. Cornell of Johnstown by the F J & G Railroad company. Mr. Cornell will assume sole proprietorship, and conduct the first class hotel and eating house in such a manner as to offend none and guarantee the best of treatment to all who seek quiet and rest under his roof.

Mr. Cornell is a reputable and responsible citizen, a proprietor of the court, and regards the law pertaining to hotel business. The hotel will keep no side door on Sunday and Mr. Cornell has the confidence and respect of the best element of society. In the management of the hotel at the park everything will be under his immediate supervision, and nothing of an offensive nature will be permitted around the premises.”

Prohibition developed in 1840 was not implemented until 1920. It was supported by Methodists who spearheaded the cause and was joined by Northern and Southern Baptists, Presbyterian, Congregationalists, Quakers, and some Lutherans. The Sacandaga River Valley was inhabited by most of these denominations. African Americans and women also supported the cause.

Columnists note : The March 1900 article above goes to great lengths to reassure residents that a reputable man will be in charge of the hotel. The reference to: “keeping no side door on Sunday” was apparently a practice that some of the area taverns and hotels did not adhere too. Thereby allowing those who drank, possibly to excess, the opportunity to drink seven days a week.

Apparently the casino must have created a fervor which was probably expressed to the owners of the FJ&G railroad throughout the winter of 1899 into early spring of 1900. It most likely generated correspondence of displeasure by citizens, organizations, and the churches.

As to what restaurant/hotel was created when the casino idea failed: Since the name of the establishment was never mentioned connected to the renovated Shotwell cottage one is left to wonder what restaurant this Mr. Cornell would be operating.

Horse racing was the missing part of the trio for Sacandaga Park to become a mini-Saratoga Had the casino succeeded maybe a track would have been built also. The Saratoga thoroughbred track opened on August 3, 1863. It is the oldest track in the United States.

It could not be determined by references if any viable business ever became of the spring mentioned at the beginning of this article. No photos of the spring were found. An undated map of Sacandaga Park does note a “Crystal Spring” but whether that is the mineral spring or not is unknown.
As for Patrick H. McDonough of Albany who ran the casino: He leased a newly built large property in Sacandaga Park which was opened June 9th of 1900 and was named the Rialto.


By Lorraine Frasier

Sacandaga Parks Sport Island

In Spring 1889 after the fire which burned 111 of the privately owned cottages, the FJ&G went to work on the vision of an Amusement park. Adding 750 acres to the project. Rebuilding cottages to lease or rent adding water and sewer and electric to them. They replaced the railroad platform with an actual train station (the first of two) which included a post office. The venture was named “The Adirondack Amusement Company.” Many local people were employed during construction of the project and local lumber company’s boomed with the business.

Upon arrival at the park by one of the steam engines, imagine your picnic basket laden with whatever your favorite food items might be. Departing the station, it was a short walk to the picnic grounds that had seating for 900 people. The grounds around you are beautifully landscaped with rustic bridges, ponds, and lovers lanes. The smell of the pines. And maybe E. W. Prouty’s playing on the lawn at the Adirondack Inn.

A stroll through the Midway must have been blend of enlivening sights and sounds. Ladies in their long dresses. Children shouting and racing to get to the next game or ride. Men in suits with straw boater or derby hats standing together in groups. The music of the carousel. The smell of popcorn and peanuts roasting. Maybe an occasional barkers voice filled the air to “Step right this way!”

One might want to stop at the ice cream concession where a freshly baked waffle ice cream cone shell was griddled then quickly rolled into a cone shape with a scoops of ice cream and served warm. Or try a new confection called “Fairy Floss” which later was renamed Cotton Candy. Maybe a walk through House of Fun with it’s un-level floors and crooked mirrors ending with a big blast of air from underneath. Or stop at the palmistry booth to see what the future might hold.

At the time the park also had what was called an electric theatre and where you could watch a silent movie. Another electrically operated ride was Hales Touring Train car. Bought in 1907 and used as a ride to simulate a ride in the countryside. With offset weights on both sides it rocked back and forth by an electric motor as scenery on large revolving rolls passed by the windows. The ride was 10 cents for adults and 5 cents for children.

The carousel with it’s 44 elaborately carved wood animals, mostly consisted of horses, but if you were quick you could also ride a tiger or lion as there were a few of these. This was an ornate steam powered ride with a separate building for the motor. Rain or shine it could operate as it was enclosed in it’s own building. It also had and organ music accompaniment. And if that was to big for some of the little ones there was also a smaller merry-go round.

A figure eight rollercoaster was called Dip the Dips a thrill ride for everyone. A fire in the spring 1918 burned the existing roller coaster and part of the midway, but was quickly rebuilt before the opening summer season. The rollercoaster was located where the Sport Island pub and Park Association beach is currently.

An enclosed roller skating rink provided couples and singles alike with a place to glide across the floor with an opportunity to hold hands or pick each other up off the floor after a fall. Another venue to meet or take someone special the enclosed dance pavilion. Used both in the day and at night, the dance pavilion provided a place to socialize and fill your dance card that were so popular in that day.
Riding the burros was a favorite attraction for the young. There was a track for smaller children to ride around or the older more adventurous set could ride up the hill to High Rock were an entire view of the valley could be enjoyed. Most of the summer jobs were held by students on vacation with the exception of the rollercoaster, steam powered carousel, miniature train, and the burros. Those jobs required a little more expertise.

Visitors could buy souvenirs of all kinds inscribed with “Sacandaga Park NY” to remember their trip. Most ceramic souvenirs were made by the Wheelock Company in Germany. Images of places in the park like the Inn , boating scenes, rides, and the entrance were applied to plates, teacups, toothpick holders, drinking glasses, and many other items Some stayed in keeping with the Adirondack design of wood. Others were made of glass with etching . Postcards were available by the hundreds of images to send home or keep as a reminder of time spent at the resort. Felt pennants were another favorite.
The Mann Brothers Photo Gallery could also provide a more personal souvenir. A tintype photo of your time spent at Sacandaga Park.

by Lorraine Frasier

Sacandaga Park Mineral Spring and Casino

Sacandaga Park once had the opportunity to share the same enchantment as Saratoga. The finding of a mineral spring and the idea of a casino didn’t happen at the same time, or even in the same decade, but one may have eventually led to the idea of the other. The account of the mineral spring follows:
June 1875: A sulpher and chalybeate spring has been discovered by Mr. John Ressigue on the line of the Northville Railroad, opposite our village. There are traces of soda and minerals, but what kind and how many will only be determined by analysis. There is much jubilation within the community and bordering towns. The curbing will start immediately. A pavilion is being planned to be erected over it but has not yet been completed by the architect. The bottling has already begun, two well known citizens have engaged in it but enterprises have been crippled until better transportation is furnished. Northville is destined to be the site of the new Saratoga.”

Early in the 17th century, chalybeate water was said to have health-giving properties and positive psychological effects. This water was bottled and marketed as Lithia water. One of the main reasons why Lithia Water never was a successful bottled beverage because of the settling of mineral content when the bottle sat for a while. That’s most of the reason why people traveled to drink directly from the spring.

The first draw for visitors to Saratoga were the naturally occurring mineral springs. The springs pre-dated the white man. In 1767 an ailing Sir William Johnson, Superintendent of Indian Affairs and friend of the Mohawks, was transported to Saratoga as he had been stricken very ill from a wound . After spending but a few days drinking from the spring and bathing in the spring waters, the long unhealed wound was made sound. Johnson is generally considered the first white man to 'take the cure.

The FJ& G railroad had finished the Northville line in 1875. Some of the initial work had been started by Northville businessmen who had declared bankruptcy in the endeavor and were bought out by the F.J.&G. In excavation of ground that still needed to be done to complete the line, this celebrated spring must have risen to the surface.

In April 1899 the idea of a casino in Sacandaga Park started with the riverfront property purchase made by the FJ& G Railroad. This purchase was considered the largest and most important real estate transactions that had happened in some time.

In 1898 one hundred and eleven private cottages had burned and the FJ &G had purchased the cottage properties and the entire river front for a mile along it’s shoreline. This allowed the railroad to turn the designated road of 5th avenue, that led east to the riverfront, into the Midway. The cottage of a S.H. Shotwell was to be transformed into a casino. The casino opened in the summer of 1899 for the season and was operated by Patrick H. McDonough of Albany.

In the Fourth Constitution of the State of New York ("The 1894 Constitution") in Article I § 9 provided: “No lottery or the sale of lottery tickets, pool-selling, book making, or any other kind of gambling hereafter be authorized or allowed within this State; and the Legislature shall pass appropriate laws to prevent offenses against any of the provisions of this section." Just how well that law was enforced would be the question. According to Saratoga history the Canfield Casino had been opened in the 1870’s, but was closed by reformers in 1907.

After the 1899 July-September summer season of the casino this information March 1900 was found: “The casino at Sacandaga Park, which created such a commotion among the church people and general public last summer, is to be discontinued. This will be joyfully received as a piece of welcome news. In the casino’s stead will be a first-class hotel and restaurant, free from all objectionable features, is another item that interest the people. But more pleasing still is that it carries with it the assurance that the enterprise is in safe hands having been leased to Richard P. Cornell of Johnstown by the F J & G Railroad company. Mr. Cornell will assume sole proprietorship, and conduct the first class hotel and eating house in such a manner as to offend none and guarantee the best of treatment to all who seek quiet and rest under his roof.

Mr. Cornell is a reputable and responsible citizen, a proprietor of the court, and regards the law pertaining to hotel business. The hotel will keep no side door on Sunday and Mr. Cornell has the confidence and respect of the best element of society. In the management of the hotel at the park everything will be under his immediate supervision, and nothing of an offensive nature will be permitted around the premises.”

Prohibition developed in 1840 was not implemented until 1920. It was supported by Methodists who spearheaded the cause and was joined by Northern and Southern Baptists, Presbyterian, Congregationalists, Quakers, and some Lutherans. The Sacandaga River Valley was inhabited by most of these denominations. African Americans and women also supported the cause.

Columnists note : The March 1900 article above goes to great lengths to reassure residents that a reputable man will be in charge of the hotel. The reference to: “keeping no side door on Sunday” was apparently a practice that some of the area taverns and hotels did not adhere too. Thereby allowing those who drank, possibly to excess, the opportunity to drink seven days a week.

Apparently the casino must have created a fervor which was probably expressed to the owners of the FJ&G railroad throughout the winter of 1899 into early spring of 1900. It most likely generated correspondence of displeasure by citizens, organizations, and the churches.

As to what restaurant/hotel was created when the casino idea failed: Since the name of the establishment was never mentioned connected to the renovated Shotwell cottage one is left to wonder what restaurant this Mr. Cornell would be operating.

Horse racing was the missing part of the trio for Sacandaga Park to become a mini-Saratoga Had the casino succeeded maybe a track would have been built also. The Saratoga thoroughbred track opened on August 3, 1863. It is the oldest track in the United States.

It could not be determined by references if any viable business ever became of the spring mentioned at the beginning of this article. No photos of the spring were found. An undated map of Sacandaga Park does note a “Crystal Spring” but whether that is the mineral spring or not is unknown.
As for Patrick H. McDonough of Albany who ran the casino: He leased a newly built large property in Sacandaga Park which was opened June 9th of 1900 and was named the Rialto.

by Lorraine Frasier

Sacandaga Park Amusement Midway

In Spring 1889 after the fire which burned 111 of the privately owned cottages, the FJ&G went to work on the vision of an Amusement park. Adding 750 acres to the project. Rebuilding cottages to lease or rent adding water and sewer and electric to them. They replaced the railroad platform with an actual train station (the first of two) which included a post office. The venture was named “The Adirondack Amusement Company.” Many local people were employed during construction of the project and local lumber company’s boomed with the business.

Upon arrival at the park by one of the steam engines, imagine your picnic basket laden with whatever your favorite food items might be. Departing the station, it was a short walk to the picnic grounds that had seating for 900 people. The grounds around you are beautifully landscaped with rustic bridges, ponds, and lovers lanes. The smell of the pines. And maybe E. W. Prouty’s playing on the lawn at the Adirondack Inn.

by L.L. Decker

A stroll through the Midway must have been blend of enlivening sights and sounds. Ladies in their long dresses. Children shouting and racing to get to the next game or ride. Men in suits with straw boater or derby hats standing together in groups. The music of the carousel. The smell of popcorn and peanuts roasting. Maybe an occasional barkers voice filled the air to “Step right this way!”

One might want to stop at the ice cream concession where a freshly baked waffle ice cream cone shell was griddled then quickly rolled into a cone shape with a scoops of ice cream and served warm. Or try a new confection called “Fairy Floss” which later was renamed Cotton Candy. Maybe a walk through House of Fun with it’s un-level floors and crooked mirrors ending with a big blast of air from underneath. Or stop at the palmistry booth to see what the future might hold.

At the time the park also had what was called an electric theatre and where you could watch a silent movie. Another electrically operated ride was Hales Touring Train car. Bought in 1907 and used as a ride to simulate a ride in the countryside. With offset weights on both sides it rocked back and forth by an electric motor as scenery on large revolving rolls passed by the windows. The ride was 10 cents for adults and 5 cents for children.

The carousel with it’s 44 elaborately carved wood animals, mostly consisted of horses, but if you were quick you could also ride a tiger or lion as there were a few of these. This was an ornate steam powered ride with a separate building for the motor. Rain or shine it could operate as it was enclosed in it’s own building. It also had and organ music accompaniment. And if that was to big for some of the little ones there was also a smaller merry-go round.

A figure eight rollercoaster was called Dip the Dips a thrill ride for everyone. A fire in the spring 1918 burned the existing roller coaster and part of the midway, but was quickly rebuilt before the opening summer season. The rollercoaster was located where the Sport Island pub and Park Association beach is currently.

An enclosed roller skating rink provided couples and singles alike with a place to glide across the floor with an opportunity to hold hands or pick each other up off the floor after a fall. Another venue to meet or take someone special the enclosed dance pavilion. Used both in the day and at night, the dance pavilion provided a place to socialize and fill your dance card that were so popular in that day.
Riding the burros was a favorite attraction for the young. There was a track for smaller children to ride around or the older more adventurous set could ride up the hill to High Rock were an entire view of the valley could be enjoyed. Most of the summer jobs were held by students on vacation with the exception of the rollercoaster, steam powered carousel, miniature train, and the burros. Those jobs required a little more expertise.

Visitors could buy souvenirs of all kinds inscribed with “Sacandaga Park NY” to remember their trip. Most ceramic souvenirs were made by the Wheelock Company in Germany. Images of places in the park like the Inn , boating scenes, rides, and the entrance were applied to plates, teacups, toothpick holders, drinking glasses, and many other items Some stayed in keeping with the Adirondack design of wood. Others were made of glass with etching . Postcards were available by the hundreds of images to send home or keep as a reminder of time spent at the resort. Felt pennants were another favorite.

The Mann Brothers Photo Gallery could also provide a more personal souvenir. A tintype photo of your time spent at Sacandaga Park.

By Lorraine Frasier

Mayfield History

Mayfield was settled in 1760 it was locally called Philadelphia Bush as most people who settled there were from that city. Sir William Johnson called it Scotch Settlement trying to lure hard working European Settlers there. It was part of the Mayfield Patent of 1770 A land patent is evidence of right, title, and/or interest to a tract of land, usually granted by the federal, state or foreign government to an individual or private company. In this case granted to Sir William by the King of England. The town was established in 1794 from the old Town of Caughnawaga" ( Mohawk for at the rapids). The name Mayfield is an English name for “from the warriors field”. Anthonyville, Riceville, Wilkens Corners, Cranberry Creek, Vail Mills, Tolmantown, Dennies Hollow, Woods Hollow, Munsonville, Jackson Summit, Red Bunch Corners (named after red tipped hay that grew there), and Summit View were all part of the town.

Four fairly substantial creeks ran into the Mayfield. The Kennyetto, Cranberry, Mayfield, and Stony. Mostly a farming community important crops were hay, buckwheat, and potatoes. Natural resources were lumber and limestone which was later used by tanneries to remove the hair from hides. Mayfield was abundant in hemlock trees also used in the tanning process.

In 1773 Brothers Solomon and Selah Woodworth bought large tracts of land from Sir William and Solomon built what was known as “Mayfield Fort” or the “Sacandaga Blockade”. Selah left to go back to Connecticut before the Revolutionary War as he wanted to save his family from the fighting. Solomon was, however, a passionate patriot. Soon many others came together who supported him against the Tories and the Indians. The blockade suffered repeated raids by the Indians and the Tories in the winter of 1780. In March of that year a small band of Indians tried to burn the fort down. The next day they were given chase and all the Indians were killed. It prompted a group called the “9 months men” in which Solomon Woodworth was made a lieutenant and eventually became a captain at which time he formed a company of rangers in 1781.

The rangers, able bodied and well armed, would comb the area around the fort looking for Indians. An Indian was found one day in an ambush position and was fired upon. The shot in turn provided a signal. Appearing from their hiding places a large band of Indians set themselves upon the rangers. They outnumbered the rangers 2 to 1. Of the rangers fifteen escaped, forty-one were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner and Woodworth was killed.

In the late 1700’s to late 1800’s was a time of growth for the town of Mayfield especially in the hamlet of Riceville. Two tanneries, two taverns, four stores, a grist mill, sawmill, iron foundry, distillery, skin mill, school house, and a fulling mill. A fulling mill was place which involves the cleansing of wool to get rid of oils, dirt, and other impurities, and thickening it. Riceville was named after Oliver Rice who was a revolutionary war soldier and businessman. He built a clothiers mill in 1795 and ran the business until 1830. In the early 1800’s he built the Rice Homestead which still stands today.

In 1785 The Methodist Episcopal Church was built. Encountering some problems due to drunkenness, unchristian like conduct and the like some members were banned from the church. In 1823 the Presbyterian Church was built. Before 1840 there was a Quaker place of worship. The “Friends Meeting House” still stands today and is used as a private residence. Many churches formed and then disbanded throughout the years.

. The late 18th century Greek Revival was the home of a Civil War Captain by the name of Robert Shaw. Another true patriot He was also an abolitionist and community activist. He raised many companies of men whom he turned over for the civil war. He served with the 115th NY volunteers in 1862. He was injured in North Carolina spent five weeks in the hospital then returned to his regiment. He spent time as a prisoner of war. In 1865 he returned home . One of the slaves he aided in the underground stayed in the area and gained employment as a hotel porter. In the years that followed Shaw worked as a clerk, served as a supervisor, was active in Methodist church, co-editor, newspaper correspondent, and editor. His life was cut short by Brights disease in 1891. After his death the area he lived in became known as Shawville.

By 1878 there were nine stores in town. Mayfield incorporated in 1896 had 17 schools.
Unknown dates of history follows: At the end of Summit View road there was a tuberculosis sanitarium where patients could be treated and isolated. The mountain air was touted as a remedy for tuberculosis patients and many came to spend time there. And in Jackson Summit there was also reported to be a gold mine.


By Lorraine Frasier

Sacandaga Maple History

The Sacandaga valley and surrounding hills were abundant with maple trees. The Native American Indians had been making sugar from the sweet sap of the maple tree for many years as early as 1609. There are many Indian legends about how maple sugar was first discovered.
One Iroquois legend tells how a Chief had thrown his tomahawk into a maple tree one late winter evening. After he removed it the following morning, the weather turned sunny and warm. Sap began to flow from the cut in the tree, and drip down into a container which was at the base of the tree. The Chief’s squaw used the sap to boil the meat for dinner. As the water in the sap boiled away, a wonderful, sweet maple taste was left with the meat.

Native Americans may have also discovered the sweetness of the maple tree by eating "sapsicles," the icicles of frozen maple sap that form from the end of a broken twig. As the ice forms, some of the water evaporates, leaving a sweet treat hanging from the tree.

As winter started to turn into spring, and the days got longer and warmer, the Native American Indians would move their whole families into a spot in the forest where there were plentiful sugar maple trees. There they would establish "sugar camps" for the month or so that the maple sap would flow. The most common early method of collecting this sweet sap was to make V shaped slashes in the tree trunk, and collect the sap in a vessel of some sort. Not having metal pots in which to boil the sap, the Native Americans boiled away the water from their sap by dropping hot rocks in the containers made of hollowed out logs, of birch bark, or of clay.

Maple sap was boiled down and made into maple sugar, instead of the more common maple syrup as there was no easy way to store syrup. There were three types of maple sugar made by the Northeastern American Indians: Grain sugar, a coarse granulated sugar similar to the consistency of brown sugar. Cake or block sugar which was sugar poured into wooden molds to become hard cakes or blocks and wax sugar, which was made by boiling syrup extra thick and pouring it over snow. This wax sugar is what we know today as "sugar on snow” or “Jack wax”

The Native Americans used their maple sugar as gifts, for trading, to mix with grains and berries and bear fat. During the heat of summer a special treat was a drink made of maple sugar dissolved in water.

Early settlers gathered their sap in wooden buckets. The sap was then boiled down in a series of large iron kettles hanging over a long open fire. As the syrup got thicker in one kettle it was ladled into the next one and fresh sap was then added to the first kettle. In this way, they always had the last kettle full of nearly completed syrup or sugar. When it was finally thickened enough, the liquid sugar was stirred until it began to crystallize, then poured of into wooden molds. These blocks of maple sugar could be broken up or shaved later in the year when needed. As early as 1790 it was suggested that slashing the trees was not good for their health, and that a better way was to drill a half inch hole in the tree and insert a "spill" or spile to allow the sap to run out. Spiles were made of sumac in which the centers could be removed the sap would then drip out through the hollow tube or "spile", and into a container.

As containers became available for syrup local people who made their own would use large kettles over an open fire, gather the sap, and keep it boiling until it was a thin syrup by night. It would then be brought back home for cleansing which usually consisted of putting into the reheated syrup a quantity of sweet milk. As the syrup heated and thickened the impurities would rise to the surface to be skimmed off. This process was called “sugaring off” and might be done several times. Children in those days were thankful for a new snowfall or a place they might find unmelted clean snow as they would pour some of the warm syrup onto it, let it cool, and then pull it off to eat the treat called Jack Wax.
Nature pretty much governs the sap flow. The trees produce more sap if the nights are cold and the days are warm. The amount of snowfall also effects the process. This past winter with the amount of snow sap production can be delayed due to the base of the tree being blanketed.

Maple sugar was a valuable commodity from the 1700’s right on through the 1800’s. It is even mentioned in local history when the Sacandaga Valley was raided at Fish House in the days of the Revolutionary War. Godfrey Shew, first settler at Fish House and a patriot, was taken prisoner and it was found in references that there was 500 pounds of maple sugar in the Shews home.

Maple sugar would be confiscated in any home invasion. It could be traded for almost anything; being the only sweetener available in a solid form. It was as negotiable as currency.

One sugar bush that exists currently in the Sacandaga Lake area is Maple Hill Farm on Tennentville Road in Edinburg owned by Guy and Dorothy Edwards. In the acres surrounding the farm are an abundance of maple trees. A springtime drive allows a passer-by a glimpse at the 5000 buckets that hang from the trees gathering sap. The maple trees have been tapped already and sap is boiling.
Across the road from the Maple Hill farm house is the Clarkville Cemetery where names of generations of area families are etched in the stone. It is also Samuel Downing’s final resting place who was also a local Patriot and first pensioner of the Revolutionary War.

The farmhouse, 100+ year old, has a welcoming atmosphere with a woodstove and large table in the kitchen were many friends gather to pass the time year round.

In 1883 Guys grandfather and grandmother, Albert and Viola Edwards, moved into the house to care for an elderly blind woman and help run the farm. The house was a two family then. Guys father Walter Edwards was born in the house and later lived there with his wife Ethel. Guy now lives there with his wife Dorothy.

Once dairy cows, horses, pigs, sheep, and chickens kept company on the farm. At one time they had as many as fifty cows . Guy’s mother churned butter and they sold milk. Currently, Guy and Dorothy keep forty chickens and farm fresh eggs are available for sale along with the maple syrup products.
Dorothy is a lover of local history and has many articles and photos of the outlying settlements in Edinburg. Hunting is a pass time for Guy. On the walls of the farmhouse hang trophies of successful trips; he started hunting with his Dad when he was fourteen whenever the family wanted meat.

The Edwards have had a sugar bush in the family ever since Guy can remember. The first sugar bush the family had when Guy was young was rented. They were obligated to pay 1 gallon of syrup for every three gallons they made to the landlord.

Guy also remembers only one season that they made no maple syrup which was during WWII as there was no help to be had; everyone had gone off to war.

The new sugar bush was built in 1969. Their top season yielded 1443 gallons of syrup. Last year they made just over 1410. It takes 45 -50 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup.

The Maple Hill farm has had visitors from as far way as France, Holland, and Germany. Some of their syrup has also been sent to Russia and the Mediterranean

Dorothy tells the story of an overseas customers who bought syrup to ship back home. The relatives who received it , not knowing what it was, had it analyzed to find out what to do with it.
“I guess they were confused as to whether they were supposed to eat it, or wear it as perfume” Dorothy added “We do supply and orchard in the fall with maple products but most of it goes right out the kitchen door”.

The Edwards have maple cream and sugar candy in addition to syrup.

By Lorraine Frasier

History of Hunter Lake

Northville Little Lake is also called Northville Lake and is rarely referred to as it’s given name: Hunter Lake. Although in researching references how that name came about is unknown.
In it’s humble beginnings it started as a creek on a much smaller scale than the Sacandaga River but was a large contributor to the river providing a place for spring run off from winter melt and the many natural springs in the surrounding hillsides.

Hunter Creek flowed freely from an easterly direction and meandered down under three bridges in the beginning; one built over it at Mechanic St and the other at Washington street a third was built at the south end of main street and named Hogs Back Bridge which is now known as the spillway.
The first Gristmill in Northville was built on the creek in 1790 by Thomas Foster . Abraham Van Arnam operated a tanning and fulling mill sometime around 1800 on Hunter Creek. The creek was substantial enough back then to support these early industries.

There is a story about a man named Michael Newton who sold spring water from the Creek to the south end residents on Main St. This story cannot be crossed referenced.

Apparently lead pipes were run to provide this spring water which came out in poked holes at each residents location in a stream the size of a needle for $5.00 per year. Every winter, of course, the trickle would freeze. Most people had storage containers for water; whether it came from the pipe or rain barrels.

When serious fires ensued it was decided in August of 1890 that something needed to be done about the village being able to obtain water more readily.

The reference becomes a little convoluted at this point ; as it gives no names of the exact locations or names of the reservoirs created.

The first reservoir was made on 6 acres of land one and three fifths miles northeast of the village for at a land purchase cost of $350.00.

The dam was constructed of earth and stone on Hunters Creek and created a 3 million gallon reservoir .The dam may have later become Water Street.

Before Water Street was created a building stood at the Main Street Corner It must have been removed to provide a street that accessed Ridge Road.

Before this flooding there were four streets into and out of the village from Ridge Road; Mechanic, Washington, Prospect, and South Main Street. After the flooding there was the newly created Water Street, then Prospect, and South Main Street . Mechanic and Washington became dead ends. The remains of Mechanic street can be found if one looks closely enough on the opposite bank.
In the early years of Hunter Lakes creation the winter provided a skating rink for residents. There was a warming hut that also was used as a temporary lock up in the summer for any unruly law offenders.
When the valley was flooded in 1930 this changed Hunter Lake.

The squared designed Hogs Back Bridge was replaced with what we now call the spillway which was utilized as another form of control for the Great Sacandaga or the Sacandaga Reservoir as it was called when first formed.

Writers note: Growing up in a house within view of the little lake is a fond memory for me for as the years passed the trees grew to tall to see it. But the location was (and still is) a front row seat for the 4th of July fireworks.

Although a non-motorized lake an occasional electric kicker might be seen; but doesn’t disturb the peace much. Loons linger there in the spring to early summer until enough kayaks, canoes, and rowboats disturb them enough to find more remote lakes farther north.

All kinds of fish, frogs, turtles, and other small lake inhabitants call Hunter Lake their home. In it’s small, quiet, peaceful, tranquil way it provides a great deal of refuge to wildlife and aquatic plants .
Although not as desirable to be on as the Big Lake it still has concerned citizens and summer people who own homes and camps with lakefront or acreage that have access to it. It is under the same HRRB rules and regulations as the Great Sacandaga. References Russell times past times present.

by Lorraine Frasier

Gifford’s Valley

Just north of Northville on the west side of the lake is the settlement of Gifford’s Valley. Other names it‘s been referred to as are: Winnes Wild Acres, Winnes Valley, and Winnes Pond. Spelling varies for the name Winne. Two areas within the valley were Johnny Cake Hollow and Vean Sweets Clearing. The little valley is nestled in foothill mountains with a large body of water known as Winnes Pond.
In the address roles of 1868 there are 15 families of Gifford’s listed. Looking at the map most of the family names are mentioned there.

Gifford’s valley had it‘s own school; and a sawmill that employed residents. This saw mill is noted on a map in 1856 but by 1868 no noting of it is apparent. There is no idea of size of this sawmill noted in references and the location by 1868 is identified as the residence of I Gifford.
The Gifford’s Valley Schoolhouse was moved to South Main street in Northville 1997 and is now the Northville Northampton Museum.

It’s noted in a references written in 1989 that there is a granite marker in the area of Vean Sweets Clearing with a brass plate attached to in that designates the boundaries of the towns of Mayfield and Northampton and the counties of Hamilton and Fulton. It’s not known if this marker still exists.
Some of the men of Gifford’s valley also worked for John A Willard then later a man named Mr. George Hartwell. Hartwell was an officer who served in the Spanish American War and leased the large sawmill Willard. The sawmill was located in the area of the present Northville Beach and would have been easily accessible to the Gifford’s Valley workers. The is no date in references available as to what year Hartwell leased the sawmill from Willard nor when the sawmill ceased production. If it was still running by 1930 it would have been lost to the lake.

As mentioned in previous history columns the memories of residents who experienced days gone by are very valuable.

Not only the facts dates etc, but the day -to -living .
Below are the memories of Lewis G. Decker Fulton County Historian for 20 years who passed away in 2001. Decker lived for a while in Gifford’s Valley in the area of Johnny Cake Hollow in the early 1950’s as a young man:

“There was a bait shop, located on a hill at the edge of the valley, was owned by a Mr. Arnold . Mr. Arnold also ran a boat livery in summer where boats could be rented for fishing on the lake. In his combination bait shop and Mom and Pop Store he also sold soda candy bars and a few staples, but was only open during fishing season. In early spring he could be seen caulking and painting his old wooden boats to get them ready for the upcoming summer season. He also had a few cabins to rent. The store still stands but is now a private residence.”


As a young boy Decker would visit Mr. Arnold’s shop a lot during summer vacation buying hooks, fish line, and helping with the boats from time to time. Usually the store was a gathering place for many old-timers to come and pass the day sitting on the front porch. Decker happened to be there one summer day when a summer person stopped to ask directions into the valley. His memories continue:

“There are three ways to get to Gifford’s Valley and as long as you knew which way to turn you wouldn’t end up on the main road again. One day a summer person stopped by the bait shop to ask which way was better to get into the valley.

The stranger rambled on and on. Answering more of his own questions than waiting for answers which irritated a native old -timer.


Finally the stranger asked “Does it make any difference which way I drive to get into the valley?” whereupon the old-timer replied: “Not to me it don’t”

He also recalled another favorite comeback for these local men was when a summer person would ask: “Have you lived here all your life?” they would respond with “Not yet I haven’t”.
Another story of times past: “Two riders from the stables rode up the bait shop from High Rock Lodge. dismounted, and threw their reins over the porch rail .

“ As they entered for a soda one of the riders a woman rudely directed Mr. King (who only had one leg) to “Watch the horses” without so much as a please. The riders stayed inside a while browsing.
When they were done looking around they stepped outside only to discover their horses were gone”.
“The annoyed female rider barked at Mr. King “I thought I told you to watch those horses!”

In his own defense he raised his hand , pointed, then replied “I did lady - and they are both just going around that corner”


Another memory of Lewis Decker about living in Johnny Cake Hollow:

“Mr King had a fishing buddy named Mr. Maybe. Night time Bullhead fishing being one of their favorite pastimes the two would put a boat in at dusk in Winnes pond with their long bamboo fish poles, lanterns, and of course a big jug of spirits then fish till it was just dawn. After bringing the boat ashore they would walk home.”

“On their way home, having their belly full of spirits, they would sing. Very loudly. Every once in a while during a song they would belt out an extra loud shout of “Halleluiah!” waking the neighbors that slept.

If you happened to be standing at a vantage point in these wee morning hours, you could follow which way they were traveling. As a light would go on in each house they passed by.”




by Lorraine Frasier

The Fourth of July in Sacandaga Park - golf links laid out


In April of 1900 the reference below tells of preparations for the 4th of July in Sacandaga park. Although it was four months before the holiday would be celebrated; careful planning went into every season year round to insure visitors would have an enjoyable day. The park was growing rapidly and the railroad never spared expense when it came to additional cottages, concessions, and amusements. Preparations for that year follow:

The officials of the F J & G Railroad company have arranged to hold a gala day at Sacandaga Park and will provide amusements of a most enjoyable nature for all who will spend the day at the delightful resort.

One of the best known aeronauts of the state has been engaged to give a balloon ascension and the contract has been closed with a representative of the Payn’s Fireworks Company of New York to give a grand display in that line. The latter will be a special feature of the day.

A list of sports of a varied nature will also be provided and there will be splendid music during the day, both by bands for concerts in the park and by orchestras in the dance pavilion.

The program as prepared by the railroad company will give pleasure to all those who visit the park and together with the Texas burros which will give visitors rides to high rock; the deer in Deer Park and the famous bear everyone should be able to have a good time.

The year 1899 appears to be when a major push for the visiting the park started by the railroad:
President J Ledlie Hees of the FJ and G railroad has just issued a very attractive twenty page pamphlet with filled with beautiful illustrations of the attractions of this unique summer resort. Whatever Mr. Hees attempts is sure to be well done and no one can glance through it’s pages without a desire to visit the park. The Adirondack inn which is it’s principle hotel will be opened on June 15th.

This hotel will be the charge of C.J. Hamlin who is one of the best known hotel men in the state. He is the proprietor of the Winney house of Northville and for fifteen years was connected with the old Delavan Hotel in Albany. They have every prospect of having an unusually successful season.
Golf at the Park

In 1899 P.S. Honeyman of Lennox Mass arrived after being contracted as the designer for golf links in Sacandaga park. This reference gives a description of this task:

A noted Golf Expert has completed his work at Sacandaga Park this morning May 11th.
For the past two days Honeyman, a noted golf expert ,has been at Sacandaga Park laying out the golf links in that place. The grounds collected were the athletic field and the large lot south of Gifford’s Corners.
The starting point will be at the northwest corner of the athletic grounds , with the with the finishing point in close proximity. The distance covered by players is nearly a mile.

The greens will be from 165 to 250 yards in length and will cross and recross the ravine which separates the two lots and which forms a most desirable hazard.

There will also be 4 foot bridges over the ravine for the convenience of golfers.
Mr. Honeyman has laid out the grounds for nearly all the prominent golf clubs in the country, and claims the park grounds as natural for a course as any he has ever seen and the links will be desirable as those to be found anywhere.

Honeyman has given golf lessons for 15 years before coming to this country from England 6 years ago. He has taught many a champion in this country.

Columnists’ Note: References for articles in 1899 foretold of the growth the park was gaining. At summer’s end a report from the railroad released information regarding ticket sales and safety issues.
In 1897 the total amount of tickets sold was 17,299 The New York Central contributing 537. And in 1898 there were 25,000 tickets sold.

In 1899 the total number of ticket sales: 43,510 of which 32,915 were sold at local stations and 10,595 at points along the New York Central. Total number of passengers including free business approximated at over 50,000. In the report the claim is made that there was not an accident to a single passenger. But that wasn’t the parks biggest season.

by Lorraine . Decker

Burros at Sacandaga Park

History Articles written originally for the Sacandaga Express - by Lorraine Decker

In the early 1900’s the Sacandaga Park would be a hub of activity due to preparing the park for visitors.

More than likely repairs to buildings from winters harshness would need to be done: maybe a hole made in the roof by a fallen branch to the enclosed carousel, or more paint on a concession stand. Stairs to the Shoot the Shoot toboggan slides and others repaired and made sound. And any rides that ran by engine power such as the roller coaster, carousel, trolley ride, and others would need to be cleaned, oiled, and safety checked.

Outside work would be plentiful. Clearing and raking pine needles and picking up dead fall branches to prepare the many pathways and gardens. The Adirondack Inn’s expansive lawns and gardens would be an important focus: along with the Old Orchard Inn and High Rock Lodge.
The Circle Cottages would need to cleaned , windows washed and opened to chase away the stale smell of winter’s closing. Private cottages like Corbett’s and others would be preparing rooms to rent and stocking food items.

The Sport Island Bridge may have been brought out from under the grandstand ready to be reassembled for another coming summer season. The Rustic Theatre would be the location where local schools would be planning their end of the year plays, and maybe even the Catholic church would have held one of their first Sunday services, depending on the weather.

The park kept many local people employed. Summer after summer they would be rehired if they proved to be hard working and capable. Some local people would start out as teenagers and still find themselves there for the summer in their later years.

Soon the burros would be led across the Sport Island Bridge where they would spend summer evenings grazing and sleeping and the days giving rides to the many visitors who would frequent the park.

There is some information about these burros in references although nothing has been found regarding where they lived in the winter. It can be assumed that they might be returned by train at the end of the season to Gloversville where they would be looked after and tended to by a railroad employee. Or maybe a local farmer might have a financial agreement with the Railroad to take care of them in the winter months closer to the Park. Whatever happened to them in winter is unknown.
Their first arrival heralded a new novelty to the park. The following information was found in references regarding them:

March 1900: The Texas Burro: His music will awake the echoes at Sacandaga Park.
The cheerful bray of the gentle Texas burro will be heard at Sacandaga Park before many weeks pass by. The arrangements of the FJ &G Railroad Co. to have ten of the patient little beasts at the park this summer for the amusement of children, as well as grown persons have been completed. Notice has been received from the company’s agent in Texas that he secured eight suitable burros and will send the animals north. The burros will be a feature of the amusements at the park, as the approaching season will be first that the resort has offered that form of entertainment, and novelty will be greatly appreciated especially by the younger portion of the parks visitors. The stocking of Deer Park will also provide another place of interest, and the bear which achieved a reputation in upsetting the theory of the annual hibernation in February will be on exhibition.

April 1900: The Little Burros

The ten little burros recently purchased in Texas by the FJ&G and C. will be used at Sacandaga Park during the summer are now in New York and it is expected that they will be taken to the park tomorrow. The animals are in splendid condition and are excellent types of that class of beasts and will probably afford much pleasure to visitors at the park who have never seen or had a ride one of these little animals.


Columnists note: A quick recap of an earlier column about the bear: It seems Ground Hog Day afforded a get together for local people to see if the bear might also come out of his den to predict the coming spring. Wagering ensued that day and the bear didn’t come out until a week later. No photos have been found in references or elsewhere of the bear.
As for the “stocking” of Deer Park: Where or how or what kind of deer the FJ&G procured is unknown, or again, where they were kept in the winter.

by Lorraine . Decker

The Heeswijk and the Hermit

History Articles written originally for the Sacandaga Express - by L.L. Decker

W.C. Fields said “A rich man is just a poor man with money”. This is a story about a wooded place just south of the Adirondack Inn in Sacandaga Park that was chosen by a man of humble means. And also by man of great wealth.

In 1899 J. Ledlie Hees was a man of power and position, president of the F.J.&G. railroad and director of the Fonda bank. Stewart Wilson was a man of meager means and had acquired two small plots of land in Sacandaga Park before the railroad had finished the line to Northville in 1875. Wilson neither leased nor rented from the F.J.&G. He was the only one who didn’t.

The beginning of Stewart Wilson’s life are sketchy. His arrival to utilize the plots he owned in the park may not have been until 1895. Though another date is 1908: or it may have been somewhere between those span of years. Wilson’s parents owned a farm in Mayfield. Wilson apparently held no fondness for the hard work involved in farming and so became a photographer. His business started in Gloversville at a studio, but then at some point moved to Sacandaga Park.

Wilson operated his photography business in a rustic hut within walking distance of the railroad station during the summer. Visitors could pose for a photo and receive a tin type as a remembrance of their day spent at the park. He also produced stereopticon cards that could be viewed through special 3-D lenses.

Wilson owned two plots of land in the park. Wilson’s first hut was 75 yards east of the first railroad station ( the one previous to the one that still exists today). One summer he moved his hut just south of the train station to the second plot. This was fairly easy to do as Wilson’s humble dwelling was constructed of scrap metal that could be dismantled then moved. In this location he also fenced area around the hut for chickens to live in the summer. Winters, for a number of years, were spent in a shanty in Gloversville.

The shanty in Gloversville eventually was razed as he did not own the property it stood on. Befriending the watchman at the Sacandaga Park railroad station Wilson gained a warm place to live in the winter- with the permission of the park superintendent. Tending the train station wood stove Wilson, from time to time, cooked light suppers for himself and the watchman. A story is told of a fire that broke out in a cottage in the park one evening. While the night watchman went for help, Wilson rang the fire bell to alert the railroad employees who brought a small hose fire truck and put it out; thereby thwarting a possible disaster. Sacandaga Parks biggest plague was fire, and to help stop one was a big deal.

Wilson was referred to as a hermit, although recluse would be more appropriate as he associated with people mostly for the living he made providing tin type images. The hermit reference may have evolved due to his appearance. He wore shabby clothes and had a long beard.

Wilson was not uneducated, nor criminal, and took part from time to time in public meetings concerning the area. He was also an avid reader. It’s told in references that his retreat to this lifestyle may have come from a relationship in which he discovered his object of affection was unfaithful to him. Wilson was deathly afraid of fire, hence the metal hut, and kept asbestos in his pockets.
Wilson was not without competition for tintype images. The railroad leased or rented a building to what was known as the Mann Studios which was located in the area of the Midway. Now visitors who were reluctant to venture down the wooded path to Wilson’s rustic studio could be accommodated by a studio nearer to the activity of the Midway rides and vendors. Tintype photos became the working mans way to afford a portrait as they were inexpensive and could be processed within a short amount of time. Wilson, however, remained a novelty to most people and continued to do business.

J. Ledlie Hees also favored the same wooded location the property that bordered Wilson hut south of the Adirondack Inn and in 1899 built a modest summer cottage there. In 1909 Hees expanded on the existing unpretentious two story dutch colonial cottage and the mansion Heeswijk (pronounced Hees-wick) emerged at a cost of $200,000.00. A playhouse for the Hees only daughter echoed the same grandeur as the mansion on a smaller scale with stained glass windows and the like and came in with a cost of $10,000.00 in 1914. In comparison the Adirondack Inn, built in 1899, would accommodate over 200 people cost a mere $20,000.00.

Architecture of Hee’s first cottage and the massive expansion was done by Marcus T Reynolds of Albany. The first cottage was 55 feet long and at the kitchen wings widest point 60 feet wide. When the cottage became the mansion Heeswijk it measured 95 feet long and maintained the kitchen wing which was still the widest point of 60 feet.

A 22’ by 22’ foyer entryway greeted visitors and off the expanded kitchen was a servants dining area, butlers pantry, kitchen, and a 24x14 laundry room. The rooms mentioned previously were the size of the original cottage. Then the thee bedrooms downstairs for the butler and chauffeurs which included a bathroom. The dining room was turned into a library and the new dining room was completed with a semi-circular piazza. The living room included hand painted murals of windmills and tree-lined Dutch canals. There was also a billiard room with a half -bath. Fireplaces graced the living room, dining room, and library. The upstairs was completed with nine guests suites all with private bathrooms.
The Heeswijk had the family initial custom crafted into it’s stained glass windows imported from Italy. Wood panels of ebony, walnut, and mahogany were used in it’s interior imported from the Netherlands. On the exterior: white semi-circular porches, gable roofs and Tuscan columns led to expansive gardens. Twenty servants kept the house and grounds. References’ note that president Warren Harding stayed overnight there in the 1920‘s.

Hee’s daughter Elizabeth was married on the grounds of the Heeswyck in 1931 by Northville Presbyterian minister George K. Frasier to Jesse Arthur Mason of Chicago, IL.

Wilson had acquired two plots of land before the railroad had completed the line to Sacandaga Park in 1875. J. Ledlie Hees had also favored a plot very near the place Wilson had built his metal makeshift home and studio and built a cottage in 1899. In 1909 Hee’s expanded the cottage into the opulent mansion Heeswijk (pronounced HEES-WICK). The conclusion of the Heeswijk and the Hermit will be followed by some information about the bear at Sacandaga Park.

The wealth of Hees was a stark comparison to his neighbor Stewart Wilson. Being the president of the F J & G, Hees had his own private railroad car which could be coupled and transport him to Fonda for his position at the bank. If the train wasn’t running at the time when he needed to get somewhere, a special one was summoned.

Hee’s horses and coaches were among the finest in the area. Many judged wealth of another by the team of horses they drove; much like we do today with automobiles. Image was important. The horses were perfectly matched in color and form. Along with the highest quality coach and of course a driver.
A past historian recalled seeing the Hee’s sleigh out for a drive in the winter. The black two- seater sleigh was carrying the second Mrs. Hees attired in a white fur hat, coat, and matching lap robe. The black horses had their harnesses trimmed in red, with their bridles sporting red tassels. Both the driver and the footman were garbed in scarlet livery. The cottage expansion probably came about do to Hee’s second marriage after divorcing his first wife. His second wife’s past was a little more mysterious then society preferred. But due to the prominence of Hee’s many guests, of what was considered the areas finest society, attended events at the Heeswijk.

At first J. Ledlie Hees and Stewart Wilson lived harmoniously. The thick pines provided privacy and blocked the view of the neighbors . But as the grounds of Heeswijk expanded, the tree line thinned Wilson’s ramshackle shed, with it’s fenced in chicken yard, became part of the view of the grand mansion.

Hees unable to bear the view of the shack and chicken coop any longer, made a monetary offer to Wilson which was enough to provide Wilson the means to move on. By then the Old Orchard Inn had been built in Sacandaga Park. The Sacandaga Park superintendent who had given permission for Wilson to stay at the park’s train station during the winter months had been hired to manage it.
After forty years in Sacandaga Park, the latter twenty spent as a photographer, Wilson lost his winter home at the station. Taking his recently acquired money, he relocated buying a farmhouse in 1901 at Osborn’s Bridge two miles from the park. Wilson died at an unknown age in February 1922 from exposure due to a heating failure at his residence. Wilson was found in his home, still alive, efforts were made to save his life but failed.

J. Ledlie Hees continued to use the Heeswijk strictly as a summer home during the 1920’s and 30s’. After his death in the early 1940’s the FJ & G railroad gained control of the house and sold it’s contents at auction.

The Heeswijk was left abandoned until 1952 and then sold (along with the property holdings of the F J & G) and used as accommodations for actors who traveled the park to perform at the Rustic Theatre and after the Rustic Theatre burned in 1955 it was used for performers at the newly built Sacandaga Summer Theatre . When the Summer Theatre closed in 1962 the Heeswijk was again sold. Renovations began to convert the mansion into a ski resort. But it was not to be, as in March of 1963 the mansion was leveled by fire.
by L.L. Decker

Fish House History

History Articles written originally for the Sacandaga Express - by L.L. Decker

In 1762 Fish House was the first settlement in along the Sacandaga River and it‘s history is extensive. Officially named Northampton but has always been referred to as Fish House, the settlement got it’s name from a fishing camp that was built there by Sir William Johnson in the same year. In the summer, Sir William spent much of his time at Fish House and at Castle Cumberland located on Summer House Point, on the great Vlaie. He was then the Brittanic Majesty's Superintendent General of Indian affairs in North America, Colonel of the Six Indian Nations, and a Major General in the British service. He was a friend to the Native Americans. And he loved the outdoors. Sir William Johnson fought in the French and Indian War in 1755 but had died by 1774 before the Revolutionary War. After his death his son John Johnson remained loyal to the King and took up arms against the revolution.

Settler Godfrey Shew came to Fish House from Philadelphia at the urgings of Sir William before he died. During the Revolutionary War Fish House and nearby areas were attacked by about one hundred Loyalists and Indians. A ardent patriot, Shews home and barn were burned, livestock killed, and he and two of his sons were captured along with Solomon Woodworth of Mayfield (more about him in upcoming Mayfield history.) Of the one hundred raiders there were only seven Loyalists with one British officer, the rest were Indians. Some of the Indians among them had been friends of the Shew family. Sometimes sharing meals with them and had promised they would warn the family of any impending danger. When asked by the Shew’s why they were taking part in such an act they replied in native tongue pretending not to understand the question. The raiders took hundreds of pounds of maple sugar and anything else they pleased. Mrs. Shew and her remaining three children were left unharmed and walked from the burned out ruins to Mayfield were they journeyed on to Johnstown. The raiding party had plans to head north to Canada with the captives but Woodworth escaped near Conklingville and returned. There were ten captives, some had been taken in Mayfield before the raid on Fish House. Nine months later they were released and made their way home. Shew upon his return rebuilt the house in 1784 which still stands today.

After the war Fish House grew into a larger settlement than most. Occupied by wealthy people with large estates instead of building lots. Before 1900 there were five sawmills, a glove mill, two chain factories, a shingle mill, two harness shops, several blacksmiths, four shoe cobblers, two tanneries, three churches, cheese factory, four hotels, a school, two general stores, three doctors, and a druggist.
There was a rivalry between owners of the Fish House Hotel and the Osborn Inn. The businesses were located across the street from each. The winter of 1884 proved to be deadly for one of them. While clearing snow from a winter storm a confrontation sparked over one of them crossing the others property which resulted in one of them shooting the other dead. Although argued accidental, the verdict was first degree manslaughter. Their names have been left out due to discrepancies in references.

Some of the fines upon citizens reads as follows from in 1808 a citizen was fined $3.37 for swearing six times, fine for Violating the Sabbath $3.34. And a $25.00 fine for selling cider without a permit. In 1812 there was a $10.00 bounty on wolves.

The bridge that spanned the river at Fish House was a covered bridge completed in 1818. The wooden structure was 380 ft long cut from timbers over 100 ft in length. It’s not known whether the timbers were bent while still green or after being steamed. The bridge afforded a double lane passage. It stood for 112 years and was in excellent condition upon it’s demise.

Flooding of the valley on March 27th 1930 prompted part of the community that stayed to make the attempt to save the bridge so maybe it could be moved to another location. They lashed it with cables to tree stumps. Their efforts were working until April 23rd. A spring storm with high winds whipped the waters into waves, some were reported to have reached six feet high. The onslaught snapped the cables and the bridge slid from it’s stone piers and rocked down the river. And was destroyed. With the coming of the flood many families moved away and never returned. Only six homes and twelve buildings were relocated in the “new” Fish House

Edinburg History

History Articles written originally for the Sacandaga Express - by L.L. Decker

Before the settlers, legend states that the Indians and later military troops used a trail through Edinburg that later became a road known as Military Road. This winding forest trail was traveled to get to and from Canada during the French-Indian War from 1755-1763.The only settlers then were probably fur trappers and Native Americans who came to hunt and fish.

Edinburg’s section of Military Road ran south to Fish House then on to Schenectady and the Mohawk River, which is another important waterway that joins the Hudson between Waterford and Cohoes. This supports the theory that Edinburg’s Military Road probably did lend a woodland path to marching soldiers and their, at that time, Native American comrades.

There is a house that still stands at along the side of Military Road today that contains hiding places that are thought to have been used as part of the underground railroad during the Civil War. The historic marker that stands in front of the building provides this information “Barker’s store built in 1847 by John Barker and run continuously as a store until 1945. Believed to have been a stop on the underground railroad”

Edinburg’s name came from the capital of Scotland. Originally spelled Edinburgh, in July 1894 the "h" was dropped. Edinburg is a town name it includes quite a few settlements. From the 1790’s through the early 1800’s Batchellerville, Clarkville, Tennantville, Beecher's Hollow, Edinburgh Hill, Sand Hill, Cold Brook, Partridge, and Anderson all settled on the east or west sides of the river. All of these hamlets contributed to the thriving community.

Farming, logging and woodenware manufacturing were the three largest industries.
The first settler was Abijah Stark in 1787. In 1793 these “firsts” followed: grist mill, general store, and a sawmill.

The first town meeting was held on April 7, 1801. These are some of the actual minutes from that meeting: “the town was to raise $50.00 to take care of the towns poor and that hogs could run at large”. But at town meeting in 1802 it was decided that “hogs could run at large, BUT they had to wear good and sufficient yoak (yoke). Boar hogs were not to run, after being two months old, after the first of May until the 25th of December. Every boar hog being found to run after the above date the owner of such hog was to pay $1.00 or forfeit the hog.” Hogs were very destructive to peoples property the officials set some conditions at that town board meeting to try to keep the hogs from ravaging the countryside. The yokes would at least give a person a place to grab a hog that was unruly. But back then most farm animals chickens, ducks, geese, were allow to roam freely.

Ram sheep were also restricted from running at large from September until November. In 1826 “fence viewers” (people that went around to check livestock fences to make sure they were in good repair) were paid 50 cents per day. Also in 1826 the commissioner of common schools was paid 75 cents a day

One historic gem the Edinburg area holds is the Copeland Covered bridge built in 1879 by Aarad Copeland to get his farm animals across Beecher’s Creek, just down the road from Barker’s Store mentioned previously. The bridge is the only queen truss bridge in NYS. The queen post truss, is similar to a king post truss in that the outer supports are angled towards the center of the structure. But the queen truss style is only suitable for relatively short spans. The Copeland Covered Bridge is 35 feet long. Signs on the front requests “Maximum load 10 adults” The year-round stream that runs under it also has a beautiful waterfall a short walk away. A re-dedication celebration of the bridge was held in June of 2002 opening the site officially to the public.

New York State Covered Bridge Society placed the Copeland Covered Bridge on the State and National Registers of Historic Sites in 1998. The Edinburg Historical Society has received several grants and has waged an aggressive campaign selling “shares” on the covered bridge to raise money for it’s restoration and maintenance.

Sacandaga Park's Rustic Theatre

Sacandaga Park Rustic Theatre ’s Early Years
From the Adirondack Inn a pathway highlighted by a sign of a log and branch with the words “Sacandaga Park” led to the Midway. The image of this log entrance became a favorite on postcards and souvenirs. Along the pathway people would pass the Dance Pavilion and arrive at the Rustic Theatre.

The Rustic Theatre was the only one of it’s kind in the area. Built in the late 1800’s in the Adirondack tradition of bark covered logs with the natural scenery of fir trees providing the backdrop. The theatre was also shared among the churches in Northville for Sunday morning services in the summer. School children’s end of the year plays would be performed there before the park opened in July.

A few of the summer performers in those early years were:
John Phillips Sousa: Sousa at the age of six was found to have absolute pitch. When Sousa reached the age of 13, his father, (a trombonist in the U.S. Marine Band) enlisted his son in the Marine Corps as an apprentice. Sousa served his apprenticeship for seven years, until 1875. Several years later, Sousa left his apprenticeship to join a theatrical (pit) orchestra where he learned to conduct.

The Sousa Band toured 1892-1931, performing 15,623 concerts. The most well known music of Souses’ was the “Stars and Stripes Forever” to which Sousa wrote lyrics, but they are not as familiar as the music itself.

Productions of the theatre also featured the J. W. Gorman’s Alabama Troubadours who toured the east coast during the late 1800’s.

Before the Civil War mixed casts of white and African American performers were forbidden by law in many parts of the U.S., but were secretly included in some white companies. After the Civil War, mixed and all-African American minstrel companies toured America and England. Most troupes were all male, using female impersonators in the skits. Both featured stereotyped caricatures rather than genuine depictions of African Americans, and were usually demeaning

By the 1850s, however, that element had been reduced and evolved into a three-part show. In the first part of the show the music became less crude with popular and sentimental ballads of the day and polished minstrel songs.

The second part consisted of a miscellaneous collection of dancing and musical virtuosity, with parodies of stage plays. The last part of the show was the "walk-around." This was an ensemble finale in which members of the troupe in various combinations participated in song, instrumental, and choral music and dance.

In the Alabama Troubadours company there were no black face players. The cast consisted of all African American performers: singers, dancers, comedians, actors and musicians.

The Troubadours advertising proclaimed: "Presenting realistic entertainment, unique, picturesque and instructive; representing a true and graphic manner the merry moments passed on the old Southern plantations down South before the War."

Weekly vaudeville acts were a popular draw. The Ziegfeld Follies were a series of elaborate theatrical productions on Broadway in New York City from 1907 through 1931. Although all the follies didn’t visit the theatre, two famous members made the trip to the Rustic Theatre from NYC:

One being Eddie Cantor who was a troupe member of the Ziegfeld Follies until 1927 in a long-running revue. For several years Cantor co-starred in an act with pioneer African-American comedian Bert Williams, with Cantor appearing in blackface. Cantor played William’s fresh-talking son. Other co-stars with Cantor during his time in the Follies included Will Rogers, Marilyn Miller, and W. C. Fields .

The second was WC Fields, juggler turned comedian and actor, who coined many one liner phrases a couple being: “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food” and “Who stole the cork out of my lunch?”

Al Jolson was also booked at the theatre. Being the first popular singer to make a spectacular "event" out of singing a song. He enjoyed performing in blackface makeup – a theatrical convention in the early 1900s. With his unique and dynamic style of singing black music, like jazz and blues, he was later credited with single-handedly introducing African American music to white audiences.

Groucho Marx comedian and film star of the day. He is famed as a master of wit. With his distinctive image, which included a heavy greasepaint on his face, bushy moustache, eyebrows, and glasses. Just a couple of Marx one-liners were "I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception” and “Last night I shot an elephant in my pajamas and how he got in my pajamas I'll never know.”

Entertainers could stay at the Adirondack Inn or if they liked a more scenic, private, accommodations they could stay at the High Rock Lodge located on a hill just outside the park. This lodge was built in 1901. It was named after a huge boulder that was left in place at the time of it’s construction. With it’s beautiful grounds, stables, and panoramic view of the valley it was second in size and luxury only to the Inn.

The F.J.&G. railroad utilized United Booking from New York City to keep the entertainment coming. If there was something going on, the Rustic theater could provide the seating for a thousand people and an open-air stage. It was the only one of it’s kind in the region.

Sacandaga Park Rustic Theatre in the 1900’s

The localities thirst for theatre only was quenched during the summer months. The F.J.&G. railroad tried to provide a way for people in Northville and surrounding areas to attend theatre during the winter months by occasionally running a train to Gloversville. But snow and ice prevented a lot of people from going too far from home.

In the 1920’s George Washburn owned the Northville Knitting Mill at the corner of Division and Second streets. The mill, a three story brick structure, had been closed down at that time due to lack of business.

Washburn partitioned off a part of the mill to create what was called the Gem Theatre. The Gem Theatre’s seating consisted of wooden benches at floor level and in the balcony. Music accompanied these silent movies by a pianist.

The Rustic Theatre did exist a little longer in the Sacandaga Park than the Midway and some of the hotels. When the valley was flooded in 1930, the location of the theatre was spared from the water as the encroaching shoreline did not swallow it up. In these later years the theatre was also enclosed.
But all of that came to a sad end in the afternoon of July 1955. After the matinee performance of Guys and Dolls everyone had just left the theatre when a fire broke out. All that could be done was try to keep the fire from spreading. The building was a total loss. No one was injured.

A new summer theater was built in a different location in Sacandaga Park in June of 1956. Named the Sacandaga Summer Theater, the large structure was made of metal and had seating for over 1000
people. Some of the performers in this era were:

Tallulah Bankhead was a star of stage and screen. In 1923 she made her debut on the London stage, where she appeared in over a dozen plays in the next eight years.

Victor Jory (who may be remembered for his role as Jonas Wilkerson the brutal and opportunistic overseer in the movie Gone with the Wind) toured with theater troupes and appeared on Broadway, before making his Hollywood debut in 1930. He initially played romantic leads, but later was mostly cast as the villain.

Delores Del Rio a stunning Mexican beauty married to one of MGMs leading art directors and production designers. When talkies became popular she was usually played exotic and unimportant roles, but scored successes with Bird of Paradise (1932) and Flying down to Rio the film that launched the careers of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Gertrude Berg, was an American pioneer of classic radio , one of the first (if not the first) woman to create, write, produce and star in a long-running hit when she premiered the serial comedy-drama The Rise of the Goldberg’s (1929), later known as The Goldberg’s.

Imogene Coca got her first job in the chorus of the Broadway musical When You Smile. Coca also became a headliner in Manhattan nightclubs. She gained prominence combining music with comedy. In the early days of live television, Coca played opposite Sid Caesar in the sketch comedy program, Your Show of Shows which was immensely popular from 1950 to 1954. She also had her own series; The Imogene Coca Show.

Helen Forrest was one of the most popular female jazz vocalists during America's Big Band era. She first sang with her brother's band at the age of 10, and later began her career singing on CBS radio under the name Bonnie Blue.

Charlton Heston : Heston and his wife Lydia managed a playhouse in Asheville NC in 1947. In 1948, they went back to New York where Heston was offered a supporting role in a Broadway revival of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra The film producer of Casablanca spotted Heston in a 1950 television production of Wuthering Heights and offered him a contract. When his wife reminded Heston they had decided to pursue theater and television, he replied, "Well, maybe just for one film to see what it's like."

Lisa Ferraday starred opposite Heston in the play Detective Story at the Sacandaga Summer Theater in 1956.

Van Heflin best remembered for his role in Shane, also performed on stage throughout his acting career. One of his stage credits include The Philadelphia Story on Broadway opposite Katherine Hepburn and Joseph Cotton.

Walter Matthau :During World War II Matthau served in the U.S. Army air forces as a radioman-gunner, in the same bomb group as Jimmy Stewart. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant and became interested in acting. Matthau often joked that his best early review came in a play where he posed as a derelict. One reviewer said, "The others just looked like actors in make-up, Walter Matthau really looks like a skid row bum!". Matthau was a respected stage actor for years.

Financial difficulties in 1962 brought productions to an end. And the Sacandaga Summer Theater stood vacant until it was auctioned in 1970 then later demolished.

by Lorraine Decker

Town of Day History

History Articles written originally for the Sacandaga Express - by L.L. Decker

Day is located between Edinburg and Conklingville on the north shore of the Great Sacandaga. When the town was officially established in 1819 it was named Concord but then changed to Day in honor of Eliphaz Day who was it’s first supervisor . He was a lumber dealer and a guiding force in the community. Day actually existed as two areas Day Center and West Day. West Day was originally called Huntsville after a tavern owner there. The first settlers came in 1797. Most people worked in lumber and general farming. Creeks that run through Day into the Sacandaga are Glasshouse, Paul, Allen, Dailey, and Sand..

Evidence of Native Americans were found frequently in Day. Spearheads clay pipes and stone pots to name a few . West Day had 20 houses, a store, a blacksmith, a schoolhouse, and two churches. A wooden ware shop was built there in 1859 but was turned into a clothespin factory and sawmill. By the end of 1925 most of the dwellings and mills had been destroyed in anticipation of the flood. Very few were moved.

Logging was the major industry in the valley since the river was large enough to accommodate huge trees. Timber harvested included pine, oak, rock maple, cherry, but none were more important than the hemlock. Hemlock trees provided ruffled grouse, wild turkey and songbirds food (seeds) and shelter in this tree. Deer browse it heavily when deep snow makes other food scarce. Hemlock were highly demanded due to the properties it’s bark held for tanning leather. Tanneries were established farther south of the river. Besides over harvesting of the hemlock due to the demand the species is currently under threat due to the hemlock “woolly adelgid” a bug that extracts the sap from the tree. This insect was accidentally introduced from East Asia to the United States in 1924.

Log driving is a means of log transport which makes use of a river's current by letting the current move floating tree trunks downstream to sawmills. When the first sawmills were established, they usually were small and were established in the forest in temporary facilities, then moved to new areas as the timber was exhausted. Later, bigger mills were developed that were not portable, and these were usually established in the lower reaches of a river, with the logs brought to them by floating downriver by log drivers.

To ensure that logs drifted freely along the river, men were needed to guide the logs, called "log drivers". This was an exceedingly dangerous occupation, with the drivers standing on the moving logs and running from one to another. When one caught on an obstacle and formed a logjam, someone had to free the offending log. This required some understanding of physics, strong muscles, and extreme agility. Many log drivers lost their limbs and their lives by falling and being crushed by the logs.
On small tributaries logs could only be driven during the spring flood, when thousands of logs, cut during the winter months, were sent downriver. Each timber firm had its own mark which was placed on the logs. Removing or altering a timber mark was a crime. At the mill the logs were captured by a log boom and the logs were sorted for ownership before being sawn.

Log driving became unnecessary with the advent of the railroad and good public roads for trucks.