Providence

The first town meeting was held Baptist meetinghouse in spring of 1796. Named after Providence Rhode Island, the first settlers were Seth Kellogg and Nathanial Wells. About 1814 a store, tavern ,and distillery were built at Hagadorns Mills. In 1797 the first blacksmith shop opened. The town had an excellent water supply and heavy forests. Industry included chairs with rush seats, wooden pails, tubs, wooden rakes measures, lumber, scythe snaths. (A snath is the long, wooden shaft to which the scythe blade mounts) wooden brush blocks which would be sent on to correctional institutions where inmates would insert the bristles, and a casket factory.

The Baptist and Society of friends meeting house were the earliest churches Baptists organized in about 1790. When the great famine occurred in Ireland in 1860 a large influx of families came to settle there. The history of Providence is scarce it’s neighboring settlement of Fish House acquiring most of the growth and notoriety.

Early settler David Barker built a sizable residence along the river in 1796. Originally meant as an inn it had 26 rooms and 8 fireplaces. Torn down in the early 1900’s, before the flood ,the wood was used to build a barn that still stands today.

The 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.

In the early days 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.


Town of Providence - Barker House-David Barker built one of the first places in Providence in 1796. Originally built as an Inn, it had 26 rooms and 8 fireplaces. When the house was torn down in the early 1900's, the wood was used to build a barn, which is still standing on Southline Road

Town of Edinburg - Maple syrup making was an early spring venture for many farmers. Leon VanAvery and Walter Edwards at Emer Shepard's Sugar House.

by Lorraine Frasier

Christmas in the Sacandaga River Valley

Christmas is a time for family. Most families in the Sacandaga Valley lived what was considered right next door to each other, give or take a mile. Christmas Eve provided a time to gather together to share a meal or to attend midnight services held at churches.

Decorating the house provided an activity that involved tradition. With the many evergreen trees that grew in the Sacandaga River area boughs of spruce, balsam, and pine would be used to decorate the doors and windows . And of course provide a Christmas tree.

Traditions of decorating the Christmas tree are many. Most traditions came from European countries. Early trees were decorated with fruit particularly apples and nuts. These, along with the evergreen trees themselves, represented the certainty that life would return in the spring.

Over time, other fruits began to be added, along with paper streamers and bits of shiny metal foil. Whether a tree was lighted or not, the idea of reflecting the light in the room where the tree stood grew in popularity.

Food, often gingerbread or other hard cookies, would be baked in the shape of fruits, stars, hearts, angels and bells. Some people would string long strands of cranberries or popcorn.

Some early symbolisms of Christmas are:

• Star: A heavenly signs of prophecy fulfilled long, long ago- The shining hope of mankind. The Candle: A mirror of starlight. Silver and gold: for the rich blessings bestowed on us .
• The Bell: rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold.
• The Candy Cane: Represents the shape of the shepherd's crook.
• The Gift Bow: tied around a gift as we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill forever.
• The Wreath: A symbol of the never ending eternal value of love…having no end.
• Garland: wraps around the tree like a mother's arms wrapped around her babe, loving and protecting it.

John Lower, who was born in Germany in 1842, fought for the North in the American Civil War. He was taken prisoner and sent to Andersonville Georgia. From that experience an unusual Christmas ornament originated.

According to lore, in poor health and starving, Lower begged a guard for just one pickle before he died. The guard took pity on him and found a pickle for Lower. According to family legend, Lower said that the pickle—by the grace of God—gave him the mental and physical strength to live on. Once he was reunited with his family Lower began a tradition of hiding a pickle on the Christmas tree. The first person who found the pickle on Christmas morning would be blessed with a year of good fortune.

The Civil War ended in 1865, but glass Christmas tree ornaments did not become popular in the U.S. until around 1880, when F.W. Woolworth began importing them from Germany.

The Christmas pickle has also been credited with coming from Germany. Confusion over this may have come from the fact that John Lower was German. However, one thing is certain the tradition is virtually unknown in Germany. In fact it is completely of American origin.

Christmas dinners consisted of ham, mashed potatoes, squash and other root vegetables, baked bread with home churned butter and pumpkin or mincemeat pie for dessert. Of course, if the family also hunted, venison or wild turkey might be on the table for a special Christmas dinner. And hard cider would be an acceptable drink.

Gifts among families were most commonly opened on the morning of Christmas Day; however, families may also choose to open all or some of their presents on Christmas Eve. Some were family traditions, which might have evolved from the age of the children involved. Small children might open their presents on Christmas Eve and the adults their presents on Christmas morning; or everyone might open their gifts on Christmas morning.

Presents were small and simple. Maybe children would receive a book or a handmade wooden toy. Lucky children might get new ice skates or a sled. Some children might even receive a toy they already had previously such as a wagon. But it would be redone with fresh paint and new wheels therefore saving the labor to make another or the cost in buying a new one.

Community activities in the Sacandaga Valley were another part of Christmas. In those early days the church or meeting house was a place to gather socially to celebrate the season. More than likely games were played among the children, carols were sung, and maybe decorating of a Christmas tree.
At the Riceville Homestead in Mayfield a Christmas open house is held yearly. The homestead was built in 1790 by Oliver Rice. The Mayfield Historical Society provides a step back in time with the holiday decorations with period style costumes worn by the volunteers . Warm cider and homemade treats can be enjoyed as you stand by a fire. Traditional music is played by local musicians to add to the air of the atmosphere.

A tradition in Northville is the placement of a blue star on top of the 5 and 10 store. Although no one knows who might have started it or when it started. The community looks forward to it every year as it heralds the coming of Christmas

Local lake communities still gather together today to share in the festivities . The lighting of a community tree and visits from Santa, church concerts, and many other activities still occur in Northville, Edinburg, Mayfield, Broadalbin, Fish House and Day.

by Lorraine Frasier

Sacandaga Valley Churches

The first church building constructed in the Sacandaga River Valley was at Fish House by Sir William Johnson in the 1700’s. It’s denomination was Episcopal but it’s exact location, date built, and most other information has been lost in history.

Before churches were built people congregated at various places to worship God and share fellowship: barns, private homes, and outside in the summertime. Meetinghouses were built for all purposes of social, spiritual, and government use.

Regarding research of church histories: some denominations would form then split in two, mostly due to location. Or form and no beginning organization date would be noted, only date or year in regards to disbandment. Names changed and varied. One of the early churches in the Jackson Summit area of Mayfield was the German Methodist Episcopal Evangelistic Association which no real history could be found regarding dates, meetinghouse, or church in references.

Circuit riders followed early settlers to hold religious meetings wherever people would congregate. In book by John J Bennis ; Edinburg: A Town Divided, a journal of sorts is related regarding one of these missionary circuit riders. This journal covers a nine day stay in the valley area.
Regarding terminology in this particular journal the word “corrupt” is used a few times. This does not mean the people the reverend encountered were criminal. It means lacking in guidance or knowledge.
In 1802 the Reverend John Taylor left Williamstown, Massachusetts on July 20th and arrived in Albany on the 21st. From there he traveled to Tribes Hills just outside of Amsterdam. Then visited the valley with his first stop in Mayfield:

September 9th 1802; Arrived at Mayfield and was put up by Mr. TenEyck. Of him I obtained information respecting missionaries in Canada who have spoken with Mr. McDole who has been in Canada for three years. Missionaries are greatly wanted. The people are perishing for lack of knowledge. They are from the United States principally and have been almost entirely neglected.
Sept 30th Rode to Galoway, a part of New Broad Alban, 8 miles. The town like all the others in this quarter, are very much divided. The Presbyterians are, however, taking measures for settling the gospel by uniting with a part of Amsterdam.

October 1st Preached to 35 people at deacon Otis’s. Ye people attentive. Visited several families. This town does not stand in great need of missionary labors, and yet so much so as any part of ye country I have seen.

October 2nd; Spent the day in study

October 3rd Preached to a large audience in a meetinghouse, the first I have preached since leaving Deerfield. I find people in this part of the world much more attentive apparently in ye time of service than in New England. It is the practice of these people always to have a contribution when they are supplied. Received $2.16. This church contains 50 members. Gave one of the Lathrup’s , and one of Dodridges address to Deacon Otis, to be circulated in the neighborhood.

October 4th Rode to northwest Northampton, on the Sacandaga River a branch of the Hudson, 50 miles northwest of Albany. In the evening preached a lecture to 40 persons and appointed another on Wednesday 2 miles to ye north. This is a large town but ye people are divided into 8 or 10 different sects, and no one keeps up meetings upon ye Sabbath. It is probably as corrupt a place as Sandy Creek, yet here and there is a good character.

October 5th Visited families

October 6th Visited school and preached a lecture, about 40 persons present. Here there are about six professors of religion, and by that account very corrupt. Appointed a lecture tomorrow 8 miles to the southeast in the same town. East in this county of Saratoga lies a town by the name of Northfield, quite new, and perhaps in much need of assistance but cannot visit them. But by the very little attention paid to religion here, may be seen, ye small number who attends lectures. There are about 150 families in the town, considerably scattered. No missionary has visited the town except Mr. Fish about 6 years ago.

October 7th: Visited with several families found them very corrupt, and apparently without any sense of religion. Afternoon preached a lecture about 40 people present. Some appeared to have some effect. As there is no other town in this county which needs assistance. I have concluded to leave missionary ground.

The entry goes on the relate October 8th and 9th as traveling back home.

Columnists note: In 1802 Northampton would have been Fish House and Northfield mentioned in the journal at that time in history would have been Edinburg. There is no other mention is made of what the Reverend Taylor did from Sept 9th through the 30th. There is also no noting of his denomination.
In regards to the reverends entry about “no one keeps up meeting upon ye Sabbath” could have been due to the time of year. The valley peoples very lives depended on gathering whatever crops they could, making everything they needed from soap to candles, butchering meat, and a myriad of other things to survive for the coming winter. Some denominations considered it an absolute sin to do any work on Sundays and required members to acknowledge that sin.

Although Methodist encampment retreats in 1860’s were an early part of Sacandaga Park history by then some churches had already been established in the valley. These religious retreats were taken mostly by people who lived out of town and came to the spot near the river for rest and relaxation.

The Circle in Sacandaga Park was formed due to these retreats which started as tents, then became more permanent cottages before the FJ&G railroad came into the Park and on to Northville in 1875. The Adirondack Inn was built in 1888, a picnic grove was established, and even more people came.
When the railroad came in, the peace of the retreats was disrupted. The park fire of 1888 burned 111 cottages and the property was sold to the railroad. The FJ&G rebuilt the area with better cottages that had electricity and running water. Then leased or rented the rebuilt cottages to various individuals. Then the plans for the amusement park were underway. And the rest of that is another history.

These listings are simply when members organized ,when church was built, the architectural style used, and what may have become of those structures.

BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE SACANDAGA VALLEY
EDINBURG: Baptist Society organized 1798; built 1816 ; Society met in private homes and barns until church was built. Square two story building with pews on three sides. Each half of the congregation faced each other while sermon was delivered by pastor from a hidden corner. Continued until 1852 when society ceased to exist. Building demolished.

PROVIDENCE : Organized 1796; Built 1847; Colonial style with square bell tower. Wood construction. Six window square. Approx 30’ x 40’ original exterior. Stained glass Still stands on Fish House Road used in summer services.

BROADALBIN / MAYFIELD: Church Of Broadalbin: Organized 1792; Built 1798; Rebuilt 1878; Reincorporated 1879; Both Mayfield and Broadalbin areas worshiped in a log cabin structure built at Nine Mile Tree Road. This structure was abandoned and congregants moved to Broadalbin. New structure was completed in 1798. In 1833 larger meeting house was built dedicated in 1835. Destroyed by fire on 1877. Current Brick church was built and dedicated in 1878. Louvered arch window bell tower with spire. More history at aplacetogrow.com

NORTHVILLE: First Baptist Church of Northville. Organized 1802; First Built 1870; rebuilt 1901; Meetinghouse was built and dedicated in 1804 at corner of Bridge and Main Street. Wood construction 32’ x 40’ This was shared with other denominations. No glass in windows or heat source. Meetinghouse remodeled in 1847, torn down 1869. New church built in 1870. Colonial style. 75 foot bell tower square base and dome top with spire. Large rectangular paned windows. Built of wood construction 72’ x 38’. Faced Main Street. Seating for 500 with attached lecture room held 175. Dedicated 1869. In 1902 lightning struck the bell tower. The bell was sent crashing down through the balcony and into the basement. From photo, the church structure still stood in the aftermath. But a great deal of damage had been done.

The property was sold church rebuilt in 1903 at it’s present location on First Street. The new church was 60’x 70’. Auditorium 40’ x 48’. Square Bell tower 65’ from ground to top. The church architecture style is colonial with and is of wood construction. Pews of red oak, oak flooring, memorial stained glass windows. Many renovations. The original bell recast and inscribed. Extensive history at bconny.org

EDINBURG: Bible Chapel Baptist in Doctrine: Partridge private home. Site later bought by unnamed Christian organization and remodeled. Remodeled again in the early 1980’s. Now home of Bible Chapel.

HADLEY: The Free-Will Baptist Church: formed in 1826. No other history

BROADALBIN: Hemlock Independent Gospel Church est.1853: Wood construction, peaked roof, board and batten, ginger bread trim . Church has undergone interior renovations and is mentioned as summer ministry in 2005 by Baptist Church in Northville at website fulton.nygenweb.net/churches

METHODIST CHURCHES IN THE SACANDAGA VALLEY

MAYFIELD UNITED METHODIST: founded in 1780 by Selah Woodworth organized 1816 built 1823. 1851 Steeple added. 1867 renovated inside. Wooden structure angled front. Curved arch windows in hexagon belfry with steeple top. Pointed arch windows on church. Other history at mayfieldny.org

EDINBURG Hill Church: organized 1822 built 1824. Now a private residence

BROADALBIN: United Methodist: Organized 1824; Built 1825; Organization occurred in a private home. The original building was 35’ x 40’. 1840 an addition made the building 40’x 60’. Colonial. Square four column open belfry with flat roof. In 1867 - 1868 the existing building was elevated and a basement (lecture room) was constructed under the sanctuary. 1885 a bell was purchased. In 1902 an additional room for the choir and organ, behind the pulpit. Memorial stained glass windows installed 1920. 1959 educational wing and fellowship hall were added. More history at fulton.nygenweb.net/churches

EDINBURG: Beecher Hollow Methodist : organized;1804 built 1836 Wood construction. Colonial style. 4 column belfry elevated pulpit. Stained glass windows.

DENTONS CORNERS: Methodist Episcopal Church of organized 1825 -1877 no other history

OSBORN BRIDGE: Methodist Episcopal organized 1827. First church made of logs. Destroyed by fire. Replaced with frame building south of Denton’s Four Corners no date. Building was 35’ x 45’ rectangle with rectangular windows. Colonial style with square belfry. Demolished in Reservoir project 1930. Congregation moved to Methodist Church at Fish House.

FISH HOUSE: Northampton United Methodist Church at Fish House. Organized and built 1859: First church at Fish House was Episcopal built by Sir William Johnson in the 1700’s. Demolished shortly before this church was built. Congregation from Osborn Bridge joined when valley was flooded and their church was lost in 1930. Interior renovations in the 1940’s. Renovations in 1999 to restore church to original as much as possible interior and exterior. Colonial Style. Wood construction. Paned windows. Two column on either side of front door. Square, 12 column, flat roofed belfry. Memorial stained glass window panels.

NORTHVILLE: First United Methodist : Organized 1821; First Built: 1826; Enlarged 1849; Rebuilt Brick 1872. In 1805 utilized Baptist meetinghouse was built on the corner of Bridge and Main. Shared with other denominations until 1812 then utilized a vacant school building . First built was a wooden structure on the corner of Washington and Main streets. Then later the wooden structure was moved to build brick church on same site in 1872. All bricks came from a brickyard just south of the village. gothic style. Steeple with cross. Center front doors. Large arched stained glass windows and circular. Elevated center pulpit and choir loft. Vaulted sanctuary ceilings Downstairs Kitchen area and fellowship room. Brick addition for educational rooms built in 1962.

CRANBERRY CREEK: organized 1889. Church moved from valley in 1929

CONKLINVILLE: Wesleyan Methodist Church 1844 no other history.

BATCHELLERVILLE: Methodist: Photos but no real history. Late 1800’s abandoned before the 1930 reservoir project Congregation moved to Beecher Hollow Church.

CRANBERRY CREEK: Community Church organized 1889 built 1891. Moved from valley in 1929. Was extensively remodeled inside to aid structure in 1999.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES
FISH HOUSE: Presbyterian Church of Northampton: Organized 1808; First Built 1816; Rebuilt 1870; First built was wooden structure replaced by brick in 1870. Closed it’s doors in 1915; Steeple removed in 1947; Brick Gothic now privately owned . New roof 1999. Grave site contains the remains of Revolutionary War soldier David Marvin and wife and also Samuel Duncan who helped form the Presbyterian church in Northville.

MAYFIELD: Mayfield Central Presbyterian. Organized and built 1827. Colonial style. Square open belfry with four spires. Wood construction. 1901 Session room added. Horse sheds removed 1974. Other information at mayfieldpresbyterian.org

BROADALBIN: First Presbyterian Church. Organized 1792; Built 1839; Colonial style wood construction. 12 foot high paned glass windows. Four column peaked open belfry. 1904 Fellowship Hall was added. 1979 new roof and the exterior of the church was painted and the sanctuary Fellowship Hall was redecorated.

NORTHVILLE: Organized 1849; built 1853; Northville United Presbyterian. Colonial architecture, wood construction, Addition of educational rooms on the back 1957 . Square louvered belfry with spire. Stained glass windows. Center aisle interior with two side aisles. Large cornice molding above the alter and original tin moldings around ceiling in sanctuary. In 1937 memorial balcony railing installed and bears the names of disciples at front . Basement Fellowship Hall has kitchen and newly installed bathroom. Elevator for handicapped access was installed approx 1999. Church was damaged by fire in 1936 and was repaired. Other information at northvillepres.org

BATCHELLERVILLE: organized 1849; built 1867; Batchellerville Presbyterian Church was moved during the reservoir project. Northville Presbyterian utilizes this church for summer services. Colonial Wood construction with open square belfry. Center elevated pulpit. Box pews. Stained glass windows.

CATHOLIC CHURCHES

FISH HOUSE: References note the beginnings of a Catholic church but only the foundation was dug. A map in 1868 notes property and what looks like a building, but references relate there was no structure built.

NORTHVILLE: St Francis of Assisi organized 1920; built in 1922; In 1887 Catholic missionaries celebrated mass in private residences from 1887 - 1891. In 1920 a Franciscan residence was established in house built in 1896 which serves as the Rectory today. Summer masses at Rustic Theatre in Sacandaga Park until 1933. Construction on church began with a horse drawn scoop to dig out the basement. Stone for foundation came from Seven Hills Road. Brick Construction. Italian renaissance style. Arched windows. Domed steeple. Woodwork and beams solid oak: stained glass
windows were made in Innsbruck, Austria. Basement serves as gathering hall and kitchen.

BROADALBIN: St Josephs Catholic built 1955; After the valley was flooded. Peaked roof construction. Rectangular stone Circular stained glass window in front. Smaller pointed arch windows on either side with large window at the back.

PILGRIM HOLINESS

NORTHVILLE: Pilgrim Holiness Mission Church organized in 1906; Built 1907-08; . Two storey building with living quarters upstairs. Small barber shop attached to it’s south side. Flat roof and facade. Doors faced Main Street. Seats instead of pews. Printing press in the basement gospel literature was made. Still stands on Main street in Northville private business offices. New church dedicated in 1991 on Mountain Road. windows feature a cross with shafts of light, praying hands, and the Star of David on alternating windows. The front windows pilgrim ship. The top of the altar from the former church made into a cross behind the pulpit. More history at http://phcofny.homestead.com/files/northville.htm

EDINBURG: 1930 established on Fox Hill no other history.

OTHER CHURCHES

EDINBURG Beecher Hollow Presbyterian Built approx 1824 torn down 1866.

CRANBERRY CREEK: Christian Church. Organized 1820; Built 1845; Building was 26’ x 40’ ceased to exist in 1876.

TOWN OF DAY: 1st Christian Church organized 1833; Built 1845; Congregants met in school house before church was built.. Church was wood construction 30’ x 44’ with belfry. All denominations were invited to make use of it. In 1878 membership was 200. This church was moved from valley before the reservoir project. Contact info at townofday.com

WEST DAY: 2nd Christian Church built 1857. Ministers served in both 1st and 2nd Christian churches. Demolished in 1930 reservoir project.
DAY CENTER: Methodist Episcopal formed 1865; Church built 1868; Plain wooden structure 30’ x 40’ Demolished in 1930 reservoir project.

DAY SOUTHEAST CORNER: Low Dutch Reformed Stone Church built 1844; Built completely of cut rectangular stone. Dimensions were 28’ x 45’. Square belfry and railings on top. In 1867 the church changed denomination to Presbyterian. Demolished in 1930 reservoir project.

CONKLINVILLE: Wesleyan Methodist church organized 1844; No other history found in references .

CONKLINVILLE: St. John's Episcopal Church organized 1868; No other history found in references.

FISH HOUSE: Protestant Episcopal organized 1855; In 1854 bought a cooper and blacksmiths shop converted it into a church. Dedicated 1871. Still active in 1878. After 1892 no records were found.

TOWN OF PROVIDENCE: Barkersville log church. No other information

BROADALBIN: Episcopal Chapel Built 1888 Demolished 1981: Husted’s private chapel . Then later moved in 1943 to Chalmers estate then destroyed in 1981. More history at http://www.fulton.nygenweb.net/churches/churchbrd.html

FOX HILL: Evangelical Wesleyan. No other known history.

QUAKERS: In Mayfield before1840 there was a Quaker place of worship no date as to when they left. The “Friends Meeting House” still stands today and is used as a private residence.
Edinburg: Quakers in the population but no record of a Quaker meeting house

Town of Providence: Log meeting house south of Briggs cemetery--then a second meeting house replaced the first one but no record how long it lasted. Also a meeting house in Town of Northampton according to Spafford's 1824 Gazetteer of NYS no other history.

MAYFIELD: Palmerite Church at Munsonville: No date as to when it was built; was empty by 1867. Taken down and moved to Anthonyville used as barn.

EDINBURG Beecher Hollow Presbyterian Built approx 1824 torn down 1866.

by Lorraine Frasier

Sacandaga Dogs

Dogs through the years have served mankind in many ways. As a hunter, laborer, protector, and companion. In papers that survived of Sir William Johnson there were receipts found of hunting dogs he purchased in the mid 1700‘s. Johnson, besides being the superintendent of Indian affairs in the Sacandaga River Valley, was an avid outdoorsman. One receipt did mention the dog as a pointer but did not mention the breed, but it may have been German or English.

The first documented mention of the pointer in England dates back to 1600. By the early 1700’s it was a dog of choice. Initially used to point out rabbits, the pointer realized its true calling around the 18th century as a bird spotter.

In 1760 a Journal kept by Warren Johnson (nephew of Sir William) is noted this account:
“ Sir William was very near perished in a snow squall ,coming home from Schenectady to his own home (Johnstown). His strength was so exhausted as to be obliged to take hold of a bird dog who had traveled with him which helped lead him to a house nearby. It was late in the night and the people could hardly hear his distress as the storm blew so hard”.

During the Revolutionary war in Mayfield, the Sacandaga Blockhouse was a place where Patriot regiments would scout and protect the surrounding area against the Indians and Tories . Solomon Woodworth was the Captain of this fortification and in references is explained an attack of the blockhouse during a furlough of the men. Woodworth was retiring for the evening when his dog started barking. Woodworth bounded out of bed to check on the cause of the commotion and outside the gate discovered Indians with torches trying to set fire to the fort. He fired at them, put out the flames, and was injured but recovered.

In 1900 There is also an account of using bloodhounds to hunt down robbers in the area.
In Jackson Summit the discovery of two little girls lost in the woods in 1909 was also credited to the family dog an acute outdoorsman named Rowen Brown.

Another tale of a dog was found in a reference in the Batchellerville area: An uncle of a family was crossing the Sacandaga River, on foot, heading home after work in late winter. At the time he had his dog with him. A thin spot in the ice caused the uncle to plunge into the cold river. He could keep his head out of the water by extending his arms, but as soon as he lifted his weight the ice would break way.

Somehow he made this dog understand to go for help which was a mile away. The dog arriving at the home, barked at the family and wined. The family knew the dog was the uncles but really paid no heed until the dog took one of them by the pant leg and pulled and wined and set off in the direction of their uncle in the river. They followed, found the uncle, pulled him from the river nearly frozen but he lived.

by Lorraine Frasier

Sacandaga: Four stories of Folk Lore

Considered a haunted place the Batchellerville Hotel was built in 1855. It was a two story structure with a large wing that was added before the Civil War but there are no records as to when it ceased to exist. It had guest rooms, with a bar, tables for ladies, a ballroom, dining room, and a barn for horses, wagons, and the stagecoach. All that is known is it was gone before the valley was flooded in 1930. This is the only documented history involved in the story . The stories that follows is word of mouth, folklore, or tale.

It seems an old woman came to stay at the Hotel ,taking up residence, who’s name was Hester. She was known for her most unusual eyes People said if you looked into her eyes long enough the devil could be seen.

In those times, people believed there were two kinds of witches: “Granny Witches” or “Granny Ladies” who worked with herbs and potions to heal sick people.

Then there were the “ Dark” or “Black” witches would tell fortunes or misfortunes. Then cast spells or curses and except money for providing those services. This placed the people of her workings in very worrisome positions often they would make themselves sick from it. Thus fulfilling the “curse”.
There is also another story of a more heinous nature attached to the Batchellerville Hotel . A murder was said to have taken place in one of the rooms. A man was found stabbed to death and no amount of scrubbing of the wood floor could remove the stains. It was believed that as long as the stains remained his tortured soul would remain in that room. So the room it was boarded up and left unused.
This story of the “Bone Yard Gang” is one related by a teller of the years when the river valley was being prepared for flooding and had one of the jobs to exhume cemeteries on the Conklinville end of the river.

One fellow on this crew was put under arrest, fined, and lost his job for selling skulls to people at a tavern. He claimed they were from Indians and not white folk.
The “gang” was also checked by authorities everyday at quitting time for stolen items from the graves. Gold watches, wedding bands, and other family heirlooms. One of the crew was caught with five gold rings in his mouth.

In the Edinburg area in the great blizzard of 1888 a man started for points north when the snow was already deep. When it could not be determined whether he made it to his destination or not, the Tennantville lumber mill which he had left from was shut down and all the workers begun to search. They found evidence of a small fire near a tree, but that was all.
Months later, in spring, another person went out looking for traces of the northbound traveler and found a shoe with a small piece of bone by a creek. The rest of him was never found. It was assumed the remains were carried away by animals.

In 1909 in Jackson Summit out side of Mayfield lived a family with three daughters this is the story of two of the youngest ones Pearl and Mildred:

One early spring day two little sisters were playing while their mother was busy sewing gloves. They removed their shoes and stockings and proceeded outside to play. When the mother became aware that the girls were no where nearby, she and an older daughter searched for the girls to no avail. The church was notified and the bells were rung to sound the alarm. Men hurried from the surrounding area to help in the hunt for Pearl and Mildred. At nightfall they still had not found the girls.
A cold frosty morning dawned the next day. Among the newly organized search party was the Reverend Heaxt and a knowledgeable man of the woods named Rowen Brown. The previous day, during the search, the little girls family dog had been trying to lead the men across a creek. No one would follow. But Rowan Brown did.

After Brown crossed the swollen winter run off creek he found a brambled overgrown log road in which an abandoned lumber camp stood. Inside he found Pearl lying very still, with her dress frozen to the floor. But still breathing. Carrying this precious bundle on his way back through the brambles Brown found a red ribbon . He yelled for the men to cross the stream. Most did not believe that the girls would have gone that far as the rushing water was swift and would have been hard for the small girls to cross.

The mother confirmed the ribbon was Mildred’s and since the ribbon was found on the other side it meant Mildred had crossed also. Two hours later and about a mile away the search party found her at the foot of a ledge tears frozen to her face. Reverend Heaxt was the only non-drinker in the crowd of rugged men and the only one who carried brandy just for these purposes. The drink revived both girls and they were none worse for wear.

by Lorraine Frasier

Sacandaga Horses?

Year round these noble creatures provided hard work, pleasure, and entertainment. Winter posed all kinds of transportation problems. Along with too much snow, or lack of snow. Ice would form after the snow was rolled with wooden rollers wide enough to pack the snow, hampering a horses footing. Spring and Fall would create ruts and mud. All of this played a role in the efficiency people traveled, and how timely mail and goods were delivered.

Wooden plank roads were built in some parts of the valley which may have alleviated travel at least for the mud season. The horse, in the short summer season, ran in area races and pleasure riding was available from the stables at High Rock Lodge in Sacandaga Park in 1900.

In February 1899 horse racing took place on the ice on the Sacandaga River. The clipping is titled “Racing on the Sacandaga: Northville and Benedict Horses Trotting on the Ice today.”:
“The weather today was mostly favorable for the ice racing on the Sacandaga River at Northville and at 2 PM this afternoon about 400 people from Northville, Benedict and vicinity had gathered on the river to see the contests between trotters from the river village and the rival town. The Benedict horsemen were reported not showing up in the numbers expected, but there was a sufficient number of horses from Northville to fill out the events, and the sport was reported as excellent. The purses offered were $50.00 for the fastest class and $25.00 for the second class. The ice is in excellent condition for the races and a fast time was expected.”

In the spring races also took place at Conklingville at a place called Mile Straight Down. This pitted horse against raft. At the start of the race the raft, with it’s navigator, would careen down the rapidly moving river with the horse and rider on a straight one mile stretch of dirt road on the riverbank. Money or hard cider would be wagered upon the winner.

David Getman of Mayfield also had a track that was used for sulky and bike races complete with grandstand behind the present Mayfield High School.

In Northville, Trum Lyon was the owner of the The Lyon Hotel . He had a workhorse named Theda. Theda’s job was hauling the refuse and garbage from the hotel to the local dump.
Many people didn’t think much of her and that she was only good for a dump horse. Lyon felt something different about Theda. She worked hard and was dependable but Lyon saw something else, a spark and spirit, although many jeered and made jokes of her..

When the Fonda Fair started in Sept. of 1906 Lyon entered Theda in the Pacers race which brought open laughter among the Northville village residents and the betting against her began.
The race started in the afternoon and Theda won the race. Some people said she was just lucky. Several people wanted to buy Theda. But she was taken back to Northville and given a special stall, best feed, and the least worked of all the hotels horses.

In late winter of 1867 a challenge was made and accepted for a horse race that took place in early summer in Day Center: That winter Gurdon Conklin found himself in the position at his lumber mill with more deliveries of logs than he could find local teams to make. So he putting out the word that he was in need of drivers and got response from teams in Saratoga. In one of those teams was a retired pacer named Baldy. Old and white faced Baldy’s owner liked to brag about the horse’s younger years, all the races Baldy had won, and that Baldy still kept pretty good time.
Batchelerville/Day area native Abijah Bowman, Bije for short, grew tired of this Saratogians bragging. Bije had a horse named Buckskin ,who also was quite fast, and challenged Baldy’s owner to a race in the spring.

In the following months local people gathered around woodstoves at the local stores to discuss the outcome and maybe make a bet. Due to the amount of time that would pass until the race, news traveled far and wide about the horse from Saratoga and the local favorite.

The area buzzed with anticipation as the month of June finally arrived. When the weather provided for the preparations of the race, men set to work on a level area of ground and began grading and grooming the ½ mile oval track. The day finally arrived with much anticipation as a large crowd from all over turned out for the great race.

Bije was driving Buckskin and Baldy’s owner had an expert driver. Pulling a high wheeled sulkies. The horse’s lined up at noon and at the shout of the word “GO!!” They were off.
For a time they were neck and neck. then other times one might pull ahead …then the other . The crowd was screaming . Baldy’s driver applied the whip and Baldy put his head down and went to work. Coming into the last turn Bije’s Buckskin broke his stride and Saratoga’s Baldy won by several lengths. A second heat was run but with the same result.

Bije lost the $50.00 bet he had placed on Buckskin. The average wage earner in the 1800’s only made $16.00 a week. Men driving the horse drawn streetcars in New York in the made $1.75 a day working 14 to 16 hr. a day. So $50.00 was a lot of money.

by Lorraine Frasier

What’s in a name?

Sacandaga has been mentioned as ‘Land of the Waving Grass’ other interpretations of the Iroquois origin is “drowned water” probably referring to the marshland of the Vly or “drowned land“ referring to the flooding in the spring.

Pronunciation of the word has varied throughout time most local people pronounce it Sac-can- dog-a (short “a” on the end). Many out of state people pronounce it sac-can-dag-a (dag with a long “a“).
It’s even been pronounced Scare-en-daga. This pronunciation was recently heard at Adirondack Museum as an out of the area visitor looked at an interactive map. There’s no way of knowing which pronunciation is correct but since there is no ’r’ in Sacandaga the latter probably isn’t. Spellings have been Sacandago, Sacondaga, and Sackandaga.

Sacandaga Park’s name was changed to simply “Sacandaga” in February of 1913 when the owners of the Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville Railroad (F.J.& G.) got together a petition and sent it to the First Assistant Post Master General to change it. The F.J.& G. owners felt the name of “Sacandaga Park” didn’t convey in vacationers minds a visit to the area in the way of longevity. That the word “park” implied a small area with limited activities and grounds; more of a day trip to picnic.
The Sacandaga River became the Sacandaga Reservoir after the valley was flooded in 1930. There were thirty names submitted to rename the reservoir one being “Lake Sargent” in honor of the man who designed the plans for the reservoir.

This particular name drew resistance from area people as they believed the word Sacandaga needed to stay within the name. The idea for a ballot was conceived with two names “Lake Sacandaga” and “Lake Sargent” where offered as a choice. When the votes came in there were 3500 ballots for Lake Sacandaga and far less for Lake Sargent. In 1973 the reservoir was renamed the Great Sacandaga Lake, as there was already a body of water further north named Sacandaga Lake.

Other early names areas around the lake have had names changes and pronunciations differ:
Fish House was officially named Northampton but since it’s beginnings was always known as Fish House which got it’s name from the fishing lodge built there by Sir William Johnson in the 1700’s. The name was officially changed to Fish House in early March of 1961 by the New York State Committee on Geographical Names after residents banded together in the request.
Northampton was (and still is) also the name of the town area which includes the village Northville and outlying areas.

The town of Day was originally known as Concord but the name was changed in honor of Elphias Day. Day was a prominent lumberman and first supervisor.

Broadalbin was known as Upper Bush or Fonda’s Bush in it’s early history. The area was settled by Scottish immigrants in 1770. That name too has been pronounced Broad-all-bean and Broad-doll-bin.
On a copy of a 1905 map of Vail Mills is spelled Vails Mills. References and roadside signs note this area as Vail Mills. Originally it was known as “Lower Bush” The settlement of this area had grist and saw mills’ that were built in 1804 by William Vail.

Mayfield was named Philadelphia Bush as settlers from that city came there later. Sir William referred to it as “Scotch Settlement” trying to lure the hard working European settlers there. Once a year in celebration the name Bannertown is adopted due to all the banners that would line the streets in days gone by. Mayfield’s name in origin means “from the warriors field”.

Just outside Mayfield was a settlement called Riceville. It’s naming had nothing to do with the grain. It was settled by Oliver Rice and his homestead serves as the Mayfield Museum. Other Mayfield area settlements such as Red Bunch Corners were named for a type of hay that grew there. Cranberry Creek was named for the wild cranberry bog that emptied into the Tamarack swamp.

Edinburg has been misspelled Edinburgh. The “h” was dropped early in history but no exact date was found in references. It has also been pronounced Eden-burg

Conklingville and Conklinville are accepted spellings either way, as is Tenantville or Tennantville.
Northville has been referred to as Northview and Northfield (the latter actually was going to be Edinburgs name at one time). Northville was originally known as “Old Ford” probably coming from the easiest place on that side of the Sacandaga River to cross. It’s present name comes from being the furthest village north in Fulton County.

In a settlement just north of Northville was known as Johnny Cake Hollow. The hollow was part of the larger settlement of Gifford’s Valley named for the many family members of that last name that settled there. The origin of the name Johnny Cake , possibly from 'journey cake' as a bread easily prepared by travelers, or as a corruption of 'Shawnee cake'.

Another road outside of Northville leads to a place called Hardscrabble. By definition it means “earning a bare subsistence“. In it’s early years it had a school and was quite a settlement.

Whether a river or a lake, village, town, or settlement. Incorrectly pronounced, spelled, or changed by unanimous decisions. All of these places (and others that may not have been mentioned) have one thing in common. They all formed the first history in our area.

by Lorraine Frasier