Pat McCauliffe, who traveled from Plattsburgh to purchase fishing equipment, discusses fishing lures with Willsboro Outdoor World proprietor Kristen Hotaling. (Credit: Alvin Reiner)

A new outdoor recreation shop has opened earlier this month. It’s located in neighboring Willsboro, NY, and it is certainly close enough for Essex residents and vacationers to take advantage of!

Willsboro Outdoor World is owned by recent college-graduate Kristin Hotaling. A sporting goods store wasn’t Hotaling’s first option for to use her business degree for, but she realized that this was something the community needed and will be a benefit to other area businesses as well.

“It is good for the fishermen that are coming in because they can buy their products here and they will then stay here in Willsboro to fish instead of traveling to Plattsburgh or Port Henry to buy their products and staying in those areas instead of coming back,” she said. “That will help the local businesses and restaurants because they will be looking to eat here and stay here after a day of fishing.” (Denpubs)

With consulting advice from her father, who once owned a bait and tackle shop (Champlain Angler Sports) in the same location and still runs Trolling Tina Charters, Hotaling is determined that her new shop will be the premier live bait and tackle shop in this part of the Lake Champlain Valley region. The shop will also offer supplies and resources for hunters, hikers, and campers.

Willsboro Outdoor World, Willsboro, NY (Credit: Kristin Hotaling)

Hotaling has been working with the Rotary Club as well as Lake Champlain International (LCI) to assist in their tournaments as well as [being] an official weighing station (Press Republican).

This small shop may not house every possible recreational device, but its cozy quarters gives the business several advantages, including the chance for exemplary personal service.

“We’re small enough to find out what people want and order for them,” Hotaling explained, [...] “The goal is to assist Willsboro and the surrounding region to be a destination point for outdoorsmen and anglers of every type.” (Press Republican)

Hotaling has fished Lake Champlain all of her life, and with that experience and the entrepreneur-gene running in her family she plans to succeed.

“I know the area and I know fishing, so this is my passion and I plan to run this business for the fishermen and outdoorsmen who have my same passion,” Hotaling said.  (Press Republican)

Visit Willsboro Outdoor World

Willsboro Outdoor World is located on the corner of Route 22 and Bay Lane in Willsboro, NY.

Hours currently are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

For additional information, call 518-569-5006 or email willsborooutdoorworld@gmail.com. Check out Willsboro Outdoor World’s website and find them on Facebook.

Related articles

• Pledge to Protect Lake Champlain (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Lake Champlain Committee Needs Volunteers to Steward Paddlers’ Trails (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Joe Call, the Lewis Giant (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• 1958 Vintage Ferry Brochure (essexonlakechamplain.com)

Map of New York showing Adirondack Park bounded by traditional Blue Line. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Late last year we informed you when the Adirondack Park gained 69,000 acres, and we’re now updating you with the news that the state has closed on a second piece of property to increase the park’s land in a second phase of that deal.

The complete 69,000 acre tract purchased by New York State was previously owned by Finch, Pruyn & Co., a timber and paper company that predates the Adirondack Park’s creation 120 years ago. The Nature Conservancy obtained these lands and New York State has purchased them from that organization. The purchase will take place over five years.

The Adirondack Park Agency [is] preparing for the first of what’s expected to be several years of work to classify [the] 69,000 acres of the former Finch lands. The state made that $50-million landmark deal with The Nature Conservancy last year. Some of those lands are set to be opened up for public recreation later this year. (NCPR)

About the New Addition to Adirondack Park

At a cost of $6.3 million, the state purchased the 9,300 or so acres from the Nature Conservancy and will pay full property taxes on the land, according to a press release. (Press Republican)

One piece of the new addition to Adirondack Park: OK Slip Falls tract (Credit: Carl Heilman II)

Gov. Andrew Cuomo remarked that, ”With these newest acquisitions, we are building upon past state investments in the Adirondacks as we enhance a world-class Park that contains a wealth of private and public lands in one of the most beautiful settings on earth”  (Denpubs).

To help with the effort of preservation and promoting recreation in these lands the Nature Conservancy also granted $500,000 to the state to support community connections and economic development linked to these new park additions (Denpubs).

Where is the Adirondack Park gaining more land? The newly purchased properties include: “the OK Slip Falls tract in Hamilton County; the Casey Brook tract in Essex County; the Spruce Point tract in Washington County; the Saddles tract in Washington County; the Hudson Riverside/Ice Meadow Tract in Warren County; and the Indian River tract in Essex and Hamilton counties” (Denpubs)

Find more details about each tract of land here.

Protecting the tracts not only benefits tourism, recreation and wildlife, said Bill Ulfelder, executive director of the Nature Conservancy in New York, and “helps keep New York’s water clean and reduces the risk of floods during extreme weather events like hurricanes Irene and Sandy.” (Press Republican)

For more information about the Finch lands project, including video links, press releases and news clips, visit www.nature.org/comingsoonadirondacks.

Related articles

• Town of Essex Wins Excellence in Design Award (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Adirondack Museum (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• State buys 9,300 acres in Adirondack Park (pressrepublican.com)
• What will NYS do with Finch, Pruyn Adirondack lands? (northcountrypublicradio.org)
• Park Agency sets hearings on Finch lands uses (northcountrypublicradio.org)

Lakeside children listening to a story being told (Credit: Jen Zahorchak)

Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm offers birth – 1st grade (soon to be 2nd grade) education based on the Waldorf philosophy on a working farm in Essex, NY. Each week our Office Administrator, Kathleen Morse, writes on the Lakeside school and community and education based on the Waldorf philosophy through her perspective from the office window.

View from the Office Window: Storytelling

I was recently sent a research article, from the Economic and Social Research Council, titled Teaching Complex Language through Storytelling.  Here is what the study shows:

A pioneering ESRC study by linguistics researchers has shown that ‘story time’ in primary schools can be used as a subtle way to introduce complex language structures to young children. The storytelling method teaches them to relate events in a coherent way and develops their communication skills…

The research suggests that it may be possible for education specialists to create stories that are deliberately constructed to contain more complex language structures, and aimed at being read out loud. “The teachers that we worked with welcomed the study and saw it as something that they could integrate into their normal classroom activities,” says Dr Serratrice.

An exciting moment in the story being told in the Kindergarten (Credit: Jen Zahorchak)

This form of teaching language arts is called Whole Language.  Here at Lakeside, we have a strong culture of story telling in all classrooms.  We regularly tell stories to the children with a focus on fairy tales for the young children and 1st graders.  The fairy tales not only have complex language structure but complex story lines as well.  The children are immersed in a rich, deep and alive environment of language.  These fairy tales also have powerful social and ethical underpinnings to help the children develop upright and virtuous ways of being, without being drilled about a moral code.

From this research, a rich whole language environment is the best teacher for young children in respect to English Language Arts.  Now in the elementary school at Lakeside, we continue the practice of a rich Whole Language environment, but also integrate phonics work into the Language Arts work of main lesson as an important component of learning to read and write.

So, keep reading, or even better, telling your children stories with rich language, this is the best “lesson” that you can give her in grammar and how to be nicer to her sister!

Until next week,
Kathleen Morse

Kindergarten children acting out a Fairy Tale at Lakeside School (Credit: Jen Zahorchak)

Maybe you’ll see a car like this at the classic car show? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Saturday, June 8, 2013
10AM to 2PM
Admission is free

The Adirondack History Center Museum/Essex County Historical Society presents the second annual Adirondack History Antique and Classic Car Show, on Saturday, June 8, 2013, from 10AM to 2PM.

Collectors and enthusiasts from far and wide will be on hand displaying their collections of pre-1970 beautifully restored and maintained vehicles such as muscle cars, vintage roadsters, hot rods and more.

New this year, the local fire departments have been invited to show their antique fire trucks.

“Aside from the allure of these vehicles from a by-gone era, this event will provide food, entertainment and a drawing”, said Tom Both, Board member. “For a chance of winning a $1000 gas card and other prizes,” he continued, “you will have opportunity to participate in this huge drawing. The drawing will take place at 2:00PM; winner need not be present. Music will accompany the event. DaCy Meadow Farm will be on site offering a not-too-be-missed Farm Fresh Picnic Lunch.”

Classic Car Show Registration and Attendance Details

Or perhaps you’ll see a few classic cars like this! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What: Adirondack History Antique and Classic Car Show

When: Saturday, June 8, 2013, 10AM to 2PM

Where: These vintage cars will be exhibited on the Adirondack History Center Museum Grounds directly behind the pavilion off Hand Avenue in Elizabethtown, NY.

Sign up to display your car: Exhibit fee registration is $10 in advance or $15 the day of the event. Car owners are asked to register with Margaret Gibbs, Director, Adirondack History Center Museum at echs@adkhistorycenter.org or 518-873-6466.

The Human Face of the Adirondacks in the Civil War Exhibit

While at the car show you should wander inside the museum and explore the exhibits inside. Don’t forget to take a peek at the special new Civil War exhibition!

The Adirondack History Center Museum is celebrating the opening of The Human Face of the Adirondacks in the Civil War. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the war, this is an exhibition of historic artifacts, photographs and soldiers’ letters related to the Civil War. You’re encouraged to stroll over to the Museum to visit this captivating exhibit and while there also take a walk through the exciting and award winning Worked/Wild exhibit. The Museum will be open for your enjoyment from 10AM to 5PM free of its usual admissions charge.

“This is a fundraising event for the Adirondack History Center Museum to support operations, exhibits and educational programs. We hope you will make the Adirondack History Antique and Classic Car Show as well as The Human Face of the Adirondacks in the Civil War exhibit part of your weekend activities,” stated Carol Blakeslee-Collin, president of the Board.

For further information, please call 518-873-6466 or email echs@adkhistorycenter.org.

Related articles

• Historian Speaks on New York and the Civil War (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Adirondack Museum (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Heritage Properties of the Adirondacks (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Fort Ticonderoga: The Movie (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Town of Essex Wins Excellence in Design Award (essexonlakechamplain.com)

CFES Lawson and Clint Allen Boardroom (Credit: Aubrey Bresett)

College for Every Student (CFES) has received a gift from Lawson and Clint Allen, longtime seasonal residents of Essex, NY, and has named the boardroom in its new national headquarters in honor of the Allens.

In January of 2012, CFES relocated their administrative head office to Essex, NY. They began operating out of a small section of the Essex Inn, however, since then they have moved down the road and expanded their offices extensively. Earlier this month they officially opened and dedicated the new CFES Center.

The second floor of their new building—where the Lawson and Clint Allen Boardroom is located—houses the organization’s offices and day-to-day operations. The CFES Center, in the back of the building, provides state-of-the-art meeting space for trainings and gatherings.

“Lawson and Clint’s contribution to the CFES Building Fund enables CFES to strengthen its position as America’s preeminent nonprofit dedicated to helping underserved students get to and through college. We’re so fortunate to have residents in the North Country who are so caring and generous, and we owe our deepest gratitude to the Allens,” said Rick Dalton, president and CEO of College For Every Student.

About the Allens

Active in philanthropy, Lawson and Clint Allen, have a long history of supporting education. They have endowed two full scholarships at Harvard University (Allen Scholars), a scholarship to Cardinal Spellman High School, where Clint was a student, and recently they established an annual four-year scholarship to a graduating high school senior who resides in Essex, New York. The couple recently gave a major gift to the Massachusetts General Hospital, where Clint Allen serves on the board. In addition to joining the CFES board, Lawson also serves on the board of Posse, a leadership access program to top tier colleges.

‘We cannot think of anything more important in today’s world than the education of kids. When you empower young people, you empower the future. We are proud and privileged to support CFES and the great work that they are doing,” said Allen.

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Lunch Break. Four horses and Cory. Believe it or not Cory is a normal sized person. (Credit: Kristin Kimball)

Enjoy this Essex Farm update from Kristin Kimball at Essex Farm, in Essex, NY!

A quick note today, as the girls and I are off to central New York to pick up a load of seed potatoes – a job that offers a nice excuse to spend the weekend with my parents. Here, asparagus harvest is in full swing. What a strange plant. It is like a priapic alien, prodding its way out of the cold ground before the earthling plants are awake. The stalks we eat are the plants’ first shoots. After a few weeks we stop harvesting and let the plants grow up into their adult selves, which are just as strange but very different from the shoots: enormous frondy things that grow and grow until you think they can’t get any bigger. They bear little poisonous red berries, but their main job is to gather energy underground for next spring.

Green asparagus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the kitchen, I love asparagus simply steamed or sautéed in butter. If we have an abundance I like to puree it with olive oil, garlic and herbs and use it as a topping for crostini. I’m also a sucker for asparagus soup, an easy luxury. My simple method is to sauté an onion in butter, add asparagus, salt and pepper, and chicken stock. Simmer until the asparagus is very tender, then hit it with an immersion blender until it is smooth. To finish, stir in cream or yogurt (or the creamy top of a yogurt, mmmm). That plus good bread and voila, you’ve got a meal.

Peak Milk Quality

The cows are binging on the lush spring grass. The quality of the milk is at its annual peak. Quantity is up too, by about 30% since they went outside. The biggest gainer is a nervous little cow called Juniper, daughter of June, granddaughter of our original Delia… (Continue reading this Essex Farm Note)

Related articles

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• Crystal Spring Farm (essexonlakechamplain.com)

Community Day at Essex County Fairgrounds
June 1, 2013, 10am-3pm

Summer is approaching, and while it’s not time for the county fair yet there is an upcoming  special event that will take place at the fairgrounds! On June 1st the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport, NY, will host a unique “Community Day.” Admission is free! Come enjoy the day with friends and family.

Floral Hall, Essex Fairgrounds, Westport, New York (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Food will be available to purchase. There will be a gymkhana (horse show), craft fair, and Farmers’ market from 10 am – 3 pm.  A Walk for Down Syndrome will happen from 10 – noon.

So stop by the Essex fairgrounds, enjoy the horse show, sample local farmer’s produce, find some cool crafts to buy (or just browse), and help support future county fairs and charity.

This event is a benefit for the Essex County Fair and for awareness and research  about Down Syndrome.

Space for Vendors

Vendors, there are spaces available for the craft fair and Farmer’s market. Do you have produce, baked goods, crafts, or other items to sell? Cost $15 for a 10×10′ outside space or 5×10′ under the tent space.

For more information email countyfairfun@yahoo.com.

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View of Essex, NY, from North (Stereoview)

It’s time for another vintage Essex, NY, image! This is the fourth in a series of stereoviews that we have recently acquired. This historic image shows us a hill top view of the picturesque hamlet long before paved roads became the common in the area. The dirt road lined with low stone walls/fences visible in the photo is today’s Lakeshore Road.

The photograph gives us a view of Essex and its main bay from the north. The landscape as the road approached town was much more open than it is today as agriculture was an important livelihood for many. Note the wooden fence in the foreground that probably held or blocked the access of someone’s livestock. Today much of the land along Lakeshore Road has been repopulated by forests or is now residential property.

Can you recognize any of the Essex buildings peaking out of the skyline? Do you notice any that are missing from the photo that would be there today?

Contrasting Photos

We have chosen to share this stereoview soon after we shared the previous stereoview picturing an Essex bay because this photo offers a different perspective on the same site. See a comparison below. Can you spot the building that appears in both images?

Differing perspectives on a northern Essex bay taken from two stereoview images.

Can you tell us anything more about these scenes? Agree or disagree with our postulations of this waterfront site? Share your knowledge and insights below in the comments!

What is a Stereoview?

If this is the first of our shared stereoview images that you’re viewing, then you may be wondering– just what is a stereoview? Historically, photographers produced these double image cards to be used with a stereo viewer. The device gave the appearance of 3-D when you looked through it, hence the mirroring images for each eye to create the illusion.

We hope you’re enjoying these vintage images! Keep your eyes on the Essex on Lake Champlain blog for more.

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• 1958 Vintage Ferry Brochure (essexonlakechamplain.com)

Fort Ti Movie Poster (Credit: New York History blog)

In honor of Fort Ticonderoga’s 2013 opening weekend I thought it would be a fitting tribute to share something related to the fort. Have you heard of Fort Ti aka Fort Ticonderoga: The Movie? I hadn’t heard of it until recently, and I find it thrilling that a feature film was set in the North Country (and does anyone know if it was filmed here or if it was only set designs?) even if it is 60 years old!

The terms “North Country” and “world premiere” haven’t mingled very often, but May 8, 1953 was one notable exception. It all had to do with Fort Ti, but not the one we’re all familiar with. This was Fort Ti, the movie, and it was special for several reasons.

Since the earliest days of movie-making, film crews have used dozens of locations across the region, but this particular movie had a significant impact both locally and nationally. The fact that Ticonderoga in Essex County, New York, hosted a world premiere is itself impressive. (Adirondack Almanack)

This 1953 film takes place during the French and Indian War, and although takes place on the East Coast it is classified as a Western. The film uses the fort’s historical setting and characters based on real colonial soldiers to tell a story of action and romance.

The film included many Hollywood embellishments, and dealt with a story of [the fighting unit] Rogers Rangers, [Gen. Lord] Jeffrey Amherst, and several other [historical] players, with a romance built in, and plenty of fighting action (offering ample opportunities for throwing things at the audience). George Montgomery played the leading role as Captain Jed Horn, while young Joan Vohs (a former Rockette) played his love interest, Fortune Mallory.  (New York History)

Read the full synopsis of Fort Ti.

Fort Ti: An Early 3-D Film

3-D glasses would look something like this with the red and blue lenses. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fort Ti was an important movie not just for the North Country, but for the film industry. In the 1950s, people were beginning to spend more time watching TV than going out to the movies. To try to circumvent this new trend the various film production companies began developing ways to lure people back to the theaters–one way was the implementation of a 3-D experience.

Fort Ti was to be Columbia’s showcase offering, and movie attendees had to wear polarized glasses to enjoy the intended effect. One lens was red and the other blue, and in general, the idea was to merge two visual impressions into one. The result? Objects looked like they were jumping out from the screen, right at the viewer. (New York History)

Fort Ti definitely fulfilled the production’s desire to engage the audience. Multiple reviews pointed out how the audience moved and dodged the many objects coming toward them from the screen. This movie had a large impact at the time, and was an important stepping stone in film history.

Some movie historians include it on their lists of the most important Western films of all time, not for the story, but for the new 3-D format and the effect it had on viewers. (Adirondack Almanack)

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Historian Robert Weible (NYSED Photo)

Do you want to learn more about New York’s involvement in the Civil War? You could do the research yourself, or you could attend a special lecture on Saturday, June 1, in Keeseville, NY, and hear from someone who has done the work for you!

New York State Historian Robert Weible will be speaking at the Adirondack Architectural Heritage headquarters in Keeseville on the key role New Yorkers played in major reform movements leading up to the Civil War, including abolitionism, women’s rights, and more.

New York and the Civil War

Weible is chief curator of the current exhibit at the NYS Museum, “The Irrepressible Conflict: The Civil War in New York,” and his presentation highlights themes of that exhibit, which runs through September 22, 2013.

The history of New York’s involvement in the Civil War – the state’s role leading up to war, during the war and Reconstruction – and the lasting impact the war had on New Yorkers – is told through four major themes: The Coming of War, The Battlefield, The Home Front, and Reconstruction and Legacy. The importance of the abolition activities in New York – including the acquisition of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation and Gerrit Smith – will be included.

This program is a NYS Path Through History Weekend event sponsored by the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Society, the Essex County Historical Society, and the Clinton County Historical Association.

Lecture Details

Here is all the need-to-know information about the event:

What: New York State Historian Robert Weible will give a lecture on New York’s involvement in the Civil War.
Where: Adirondack Architectural Heritage headquarters–located at 1745 Main St., Keeseville, NY.
When: Saturday, June 1, at 7:00 pm
Price: Free and open to the public.

Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. For reservations: Call 518-834-5180 or write ugr@frontier.com.

Related articles

• Local Historic Audio Recordings at SUNY Plattsburgh (essexonlakechamplain.com)
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CATS trail marker

Thursday, May 23
Start at 10:oo am
Meet behind the old Willsboro School

Are you ready for the next Champlain Area Trails (CATS) Volunteer  Trail Project? CATS welcomes people of all ages to come out to help clear the trail. Volunteers are free to stay until the end or help out for just part of the project. Here are the details:

NEW Volunteer  Trail Project:  Next Thursday, May 23, at Big Woods in Willsboro starting at 10 am.  We will clean around the trailhead and work on the trail.  This will be a cooperative project with The Nature Conservancy.  We will meet behind the old Willsboro School. Please let us know if you plan to take part. (CATS)

The old Willsboro School is located up the hill behind the Paine Memorial Library, which is directly across from the bridge over the Boquet River in town.

Check the CATS website for ongoing CATS trail projects!

Celebrate National Trails Day with CATS

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for National Trails Day! Several group hikes have been organized that day, and later that evening join Champlain Area Trails to celebrate! Honor our local network of trails and their CATS maintainers on Saturday, June 1, from 4-6pm at Block House Farm in Essex, NY.

Pre-registration $15 per person, $30 per family, children free. Purchase tickets at the CATS website or send a check to PO Box 193, Westport, NY 12993.

If you have any questions email info@champlainareatrails.com or contact CATS by phone at 518-962-2287.

Related articles

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• Celebrate National Trails Day with Champlain Area Trails (essexonlakechamplain.com)
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Old image of Whallonsburg Grange Hall (Courtesy of the Grange)

Tuesday, May 21 at 6pm
At Whallonsburg Grange Hall

Have you been wondering about the changes occurring at Whallonsburg Grange Hall? Renovations and new programs are constantly improving the Grange and making it a popular event location.

Soon you can take your chance and get to know the Whallonsburg Grange at this upcoming supper and presentation!

• What’s happening in the Community Kitchen?
• What kind of programs are coming in the Fall?
• How are the renovations going?
• Who runs the Grange?  What can I do to help? (Whallonsburg Grange Hall)

Got a question about the Grange? Come share supper and discuss plans and ideas for the future. This event is open to everyone; bring the family!

Contact Whallonsburg Grange

For more information you can call 518-962-4386 or e-mail: ghall@westelcom.com. If you’ve never been before, then follow these directions to the Grange.

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1966 Ferry Brochure Cover (Credit: Lake Champlain Transportation)

We’ve recently been sharing some local artifacts and historic images through this blog. Several of them have been ferry-related, including the following:  Essex-Charlotte Steam Ferry Brochure; 1954 LCT Ferry Brochure; 1957 Ferry Brochure;  and 1958 Vintage Ferry Brochure.

I was surprised and excited to see that last month the Lake Champlain Transportation blog shared a vintage ferry brochure as well–from a year we hadn’t yet seen! I think it’s fascinating to see the changes in style between the different years, and the more we see the more varied the designs are. It’s also wonderful to have all these great mementos of local heritage being preserved on the internet to ensure they are available for people worldwide and for generations to come.

Here’s what LCT had to say along with the images they shared:

A customer from North Carolina mailed us an old LCT ferry schedule from 1966.  We provided quite a lot of service even back then!

Explore the gallery below to see all the images of this 1966 brochure. Click for larger view.

Share Your Artifacts

We hope to keep having many more artifacts to feature on the Essex on Lake Champlain blog! You can help!

Do you have any unique or vintage images related to the Lake Champlain ferries or anything related to Essex, NY?  Dig through your attics, desks, and garages. You never know what treasures you may find. Share them now before those old momentos get damaged or lost forever. Add them to our digital museum of Essex artifacts and share with the community. Contact us!

Related articles

• 1958 Vintage Ferry Brochure (essexonlakechamplain.com)
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The Wadhams Waddlers (Credit: Whallonsburg Grange Hall)

Friday, May 24 at 7:30
The Wadhams Waddlers
At Whallonsburg Grange Hall
$5/$2 students.

Attend this concert fundraiser at the Grange to kick-off the summer! All proceeds go to the Grange. Enjoy the harmonious mix of guitar, fiddle, banjo, and bass in this string quartet!

A night of music and dancing from this popular local band to benefit the Grange. The self-described, “third most popular four-member old-time string band” in Wadhams, the Waddlers last played the Grange at our Off-Beat Xmas Music Show. They fit that bill for sure! Here’s their own definition of who and what they are:

Our music is a mixture of old-time fiddle music, new-time banjo music and bass lullabies. We even have some original songs that we’ve written. Sometimes we just shout and dance around…(Whallonsburg Grange Hall)

You can hear the band and find more about them on their website.

Contact Whallonsburg Grange

For more information you can call 518-962-4386 or e-mail: ghall@westelcom.com. If you’ve never been before, then follow these directions to the Grange.

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• Whallonsburg Grange: Bird Language Lecture & Field Workshop (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Whallonsburg Grange Concert: Finest Kind (essexonlakechamplain.com)

Fort Apache Trailer from Addison Mehr on Vimeo.

The film will be introduced by Westport writer/director Addison Mehr!

Filmed in Westport, Moriah and Lake Placid, this coming of age story follows Walt, a precocious young boy who struggles to escape small-town life. On the eve of his eleventh birthday, he must choose between leaving home or following his brother down a path of violence and destruction. Mehr has worked with director Martin Scorsese and Court 13, the filmmaking collective behind Beasts of the Southern Wild. (Whallonsburg Grange Hall)

For more information on this season’s chosen Champlain Valley films contact the Champlain Valley Film Society at info@cvfilms.org.

Champlain Valley Film Society’s Theater Experience

Fort Apache actors (Photo by Katherine Clark)

Experience a unique movie theater experience while attending one of the Champlain Valley Film Society movie nights! They now have a new HD projector and movie screen that’s almost twice the size of their old one! Films will be shown in high definition to give viewers a better quality experience. Don’t forget that drinks and snacks now available too!

You also no longer have to struggle through a long movie on the old wooden chairs! The Whallonsburg Grange has new, comfortable upholstered chairs for you to sit in. The Grange is offering the old chairs to new homes. Find out more on the Grow the Grange page.

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Chez Lin & Rays Dining Room (Still in progress). The dark floor and ceiling really make the accent colors and the decorations pop on the lighter walls.

Hear the current updates straight from one of the co-chefs/owners, Linda Faville:

All is going well and I think we are still on track for a June 1st opening, although we keep discovering additional projects. With this beautiful weather as inspiration, we have gotten a lot accomplished in the past few weeks. Readying the kitchen has been a major challenge. It has been scrubbed and painted from ceiling to floor. All the equipment has been inspected, cleaned and made operational. We are now setting up the various workstations, like salad prep, desserts and coffee, and dish washing.

Likewise, the dining room and small bar have been cleaned and painted, although we still need to finish the floors. We have added some decorative touches and lighting. The place is definitely coming to life! We ordered and are waiting to receive various tabletop items, such as table clothes, napkins and flower vases.

Over the past few days, we met with several food and beverage representatives and have finalized our menu and beer & wine lists. Just have to get printed! How does a cold glass of sparkling Moscato with baked Brie and fig jam sound?

Another perspective on the interior dining room. A good view of the bar and central seating. I love that little metal ship on the divider in the foreground.

Chez Lin & Rays will be serving lunch and dinner right on the water. The tentative operating season will be June 1st to mid-Sept. They will be serving every day all day starting at 11:30 am. Reservations will be helpful and appreciated, but not mandatory.

There is a large, outdoor deck overlooking the lake, as well as indoor dining. I’ve seen the new in-progress dining room, and it has a very fresh look but an old-fashioned, slightly nautical feel. I can’t wait to see what it looks like when the final touches have been made!

Being part of the marina, the restaurant atmosphere will be casual & relaxing.  The food will be American-Continental, fresh & tasty using local ingredients when possible, and moderately priced.  Our menu will have many options, from “small plates” to “light fare” to traditional “entrees.”

Find sample menu items and more on their blog.

Help Wanted

Chez Lin & Rays Interior Dining. Bar to the right, dining available  in this room along with the seating visible through the two interior window openings to the right.

Chez Lin & Rays is now hiring! Regarding job openings, they have waitstaff, kitchen assistant, cleaning staff, and yard care positions available.

Anyone interested should stop by the Shipyard Marina and ask for Linda or Ray. Or call the Shipyard at 518-963-4024.

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One of Julie Warren’s paintings in her “Field and Flowers” exhibition at the Depot Theatre Gallery.

The Depot Theatre is a professional theatre company located in a functioning train station built in 1876. This year they are celebrating their 35th Anniversary! The theatre is a beacon for the arts; along with all of the theatre productions put on here, another popular event hosted at the theatre are art galleries featuring local artists!

Depot Theatre Gallery Reception for Artist Julie Warren

The Depot Theatre Gallery will host an opening reception for artist Julie Warren’s show “Fields and Flowers” on Wednesday, May 15 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

Warren’s paintings are inspired by two distinct varieties of flowers: the wild ones along North Country roads and the sturdy annuals seen in gardens and homes.

The reception will feature wine tastings from the Depot Theatre’s “Gallery Receptions Sponsor,” Amazing Grace Vineyard and Winery located in Chazy, NY

“Fields and Flowers” will be hosted at the Depot Theatre Gallery until June 6. For more information visit www.depottheatre.org.

Internship Program Provides Opportunities at Depot Theatre

Depot Theatre, Westport, NY

The Depot Theatre is proud to announce the expansion of its summer internship program!

This year, the Depot Theatre welcomes Alyssa Carroll (Emerson College), Allanda Lattin (Rocky Mountain College), and Hillary Palmer (Eugene Lang the New School of Liberal Arts) as summer-long interns.

Westport Central School students Rachel Abrahamsen and Scarlett Moore will be joining the Depot Theatre’s 35th Anniversary Season as Apprentice Interns.

“We are incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to share the very unique professional experience of the Depot Theatre as part of their career path,” says Managing Director, Y. Angel Wuellner.

More Depot Theatre Events

There are four great mainstage shows (stay tuned for more information as the show dates approach) and other events lined up for this summer. Subscriptions for the 2013 season and single tickets are currently available. The next “Bingo for the Depot” will be in June.

For more information about the 35th Anniversary Season and other Depot Theatre events check their website or call the Depot Theatre Box Office at 518-962-4449 or email info@depottheatre.org.

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Do you recognize the Essex bay pictured in this vintage stereoview?

It’s time for another vintage Essex, NY, image! This is the third in a series of stereoviews that we have recently acquired. Do you recognize this Essex bay?

We shared this photo last week on our Facebook page, and here are a few of the responses:

Steve Mckenna: Whallons bay.

Mark Kupperman: Second vote for Whallon’s bay, from what used to be the town beach? Is that building part of original Barracks?

George Davis: Or perhaps a bit further north?

Steve Mckenna: Ha! That was my second [guess]

I have read that this northern Essex harbor was once-upon-a-time referred to as Blood’s Bay or some such similarly sanguine moniker. Do you know of another other names this bay has been called throughout the years?

Given other historic photographs from early in the 20th century it appears that the timbers in the foreground of this stereoview were part of a pier near the present day ferry dock and the “barn” in the distance was most likely located near Sandy Point. This is more apparent in another stereroview shot from the opposite perspective which we’ll share online soon.

Do you know anything more about this image’s scene? Agree or disagree with our perspective of this waterfront site? Share your knowledge and insights below in the comments!

What is a Stereoview?

If this is the first of our shared stereoview images that you’re viewing, then you may be wondering– just what is a stereoview? Historically, photographers produced these double image cards to be used with a stereo viewer. The device gave the appearance of 3-D when you looked through it, hence the mirroring images for each eye to create the illusion.

We hope you’re enjoying these vintage images! Keep your eyes on the Essex on Lake Champlain blog for more.

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Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, NY

Since 1957, the Adirondack Museum has shared the history of the people who have lived, worked and played in the Adirondack Park. The history of the very place on which the museum sits mirrors the history of the Adirondacks: from lumber camp to summer hotel to museum, it embodies the transformation of the Adirondacks from mineral and lumber resource to resort to recreation getaway. (Adirondack Museum)

History of the Adirondack Museum

In 1867, the Merwin family acquired 11,230-acres in the Adirondacks and that begins the museum’s story. The family began farming the land, but when the Adirondacks began turning into a popular tourist destination the Merwin’s built their Blue Mountain House hotel, a large frame hotel with a broad veranda overlooking the lake (Adirondack Museum).

The Blue Mountain House continued as a hotel into the twentieth century, but in 1954, the Adirondack Historical Association purchased the property and began to create their museum. The Adirondack Museum opened on August 4, 1957, after two years of construction and collecting artifacts to share with the world!

Most of these [museum artifacts] have been donated by Adirondackers who want to preserve and share their family and community history. There are now some 30,000 objects, more than 70,000 photographs, 9,511 books, and 800 pages of original manuscript materials housed and exhibited at the Adirondack Museum. The museum is still collecting and those numbers are growing. (Adirondack Museum)

Learn the more detailed account of the museum’s beginnings here.

Visit and Learn More

Museum Hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm
Open from late-May to mid-October

The museum will open for it’s 56th season on May 24, 2013. Find ticket and pricing information here.

See the list of current events and exhibitions, and check out upcoming workshops at the museum!

Adirondack Museum is located at Rt. 28N & 30, Blue Mountain Lake, NY. Contact the museum at 518-352-7311 or email info@adirondackmuseum.org.

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CATS trail marker

Saturday, May 18th
12:30-4:30 pm
Meet at Black Kettle Nature Trail

Are you ready for the next Champlain Area Trails (CATS) Volunteer  Trail Project? CATS welcomes people of all ages to come out to help clear the trail. Volunteers are free to stay until the end or help out for just part of the project. Here are the details:

Next Saturday, May 18th, 12:30-4:30 pm at the Black Kettle Nature trail at the corner of Cook & Leaning roads in Whallonsburgh, NY. Please join us to widen and tidy one of our most family-friendly trails as we prepare for the hike and interpretive sign unveiling on National Trails Day, June 1. (CATS)

Check the CATS website for ongoing CATS trail projects!

Celebrate National Trails Day with CATS

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for National Trails Day! Several group hikes have been organized that day, and later that evening join Champlain Area Trails to celebrate! Honor our local network of trails and their CATS maintainers on Saturday, June 1, from 4-6pm at Block House Farm in Essex, NY.

Pre-registration $15 per person, $30 per family, children free. Purchase tickets at the CATS website or send a check to PO Box 193, Westport, NY 12993.

3 Days Left to Enter CATS Photo & Caption Contest

There’s still time to Enter CATS first Photo and Caption Contest! They are accepting entries through May 15th.

Submit up to five photos you’ve taken while on the CATS trails to catscontest@gmail.com. Include a 25-100 word narrative with each photo to share the story of the moment you captured. Learn more about the contest here!

If you have any questions email info@champlainareatrails.com or contact CATS by phone at 518-962-2287.

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Wadhams Free Library. The little library with a big window on the world.  Attend the Wadhams Lecture Series to learn from community members about various topics. (logo)

The Wadhams Free Library presents:

Moriah Shock: Learning to Leave by Robert Harsh – Wednesday, May 22, at 7:30pm

Reber resident Bob Harsh has been spending some time in prison. As a guest speaker at one of the Wadhams Library’s Wednesdays in Wadhams lecture series he will talk about his recent work as a volunteer helping prisoners learn to read.

Robert Harsh is a retired counselor and adjunct faculty member at SUNY Plattsburgh. He has taught sociology courses at two state prisons in the region, including a course on the history of prisons at the maximum-security Dannemora Correctional Facility. He currently tutors for Literacy Volunteers at the Moriah Shock facility.

He will give us an inside look at volunteering in prison as well as a brief review the history of American prisons focusing on the institutional structure and individual experience of incarceration. (Wadhams Free Library)

As with all of the library’s Wednesday lectures this event is free and open to the public!

Want to Participate in the Wadhams Lecture Series?

Consider giving a talk as part of the library’s Wednesdays in Wadhams lecture series. If you have got some area of expertise that’s out of the ordinary, or a fascinating and unique experience to share, the library would love to hear from you.

If you have questions or for more information email info@wadhamsfreelibrary.org or call 518-962-8717.

Find out more about what’s going on at the Wadhams Library by reading the newsletter found on their homepage!

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The Town of Essex wins Excellence in Design Award for its Wastewater Treatment Plant (Photo credit: Keith Lobdell)

The Town of Essex won an award at the recent Adirondack Park Local Government conference in Lake Placid, NY. What did they win an award for?

The Excellence in Design competition recognized the hamlet’s new sewage treatment plant for its contribution to community livability and appeal, its good fit with the neighborhood and for the lessons and techniques it offers to other communities. Accepting the award on behalf of the town was Supervisor Sharon Boisen. (Denpubs)

About the Town of Essex Wastewater Treatment Plant

You’re driving east along NYS Route 22 about to enter the Hamlet of Essex New York; just after you pass the “Welcome to Essex” sign you look to your right and the reflection of the midday sun from a copper colored cupola on top of a local barn catches your eye. Whether you are a local and travel the route every day or a visitor to the Town of Essex for the first time, the site of the barn and the farmhouse beside it nestled behind a couple of small residential homes, simply fits with what you were expecting to see in this small historic Adirondack community.

What you and other visitors to the Town do not realize is, inside this attractive barn and farmhouse, are all the equipment and technology necessary to treat the wastewater created by the Hamlet of Essex. (Town of Essex)

That’s right. Those buildings that completely blend in with our community’s atmosphere is where the town’s wastewater is treated! We don’t have to deal with an obtrusive industrial complex that would take away from the area’s natural beauty. It took many years to get this new treatment plant built and running, but it was more than worth it.

Proper wastewater treatment helps keep Lake Champlain and the rest of the environment healthy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The area’s soil was not conducive to natural sewage treatment, and in the past wastewater has been detrimental to the local environment, including creating a habit suited to the growth of the hazardous blue-green algae in Lake Champlain. The Town of Essex knew it needed to improve and update sewage treatment processes, and the result is the new Town of Essex Wastewater Treatment Plant described above.

The plant operates on solar power for both electricity and hot water, which leads to a much reduced cost. All of the treatment processes are done at this plant, and there is one tank that is used to complete all of the processes, which allows the town to create a much smaller global footprint than other plants where wastewater is transported from tank to tank or to different places of operation before it is completely treated (Denpubs).

In the submission letter that entered the Town of Essex in this contest, the combination of efficiency and aesthetically pleasing appearance is summed up here:

Rather than being a typical wastewater plant and industrial looking, its appearance fits into our historic Community. It positively [affects] our living environment by providing us a cleaner Lake Champlain with its energy efficiency and use of current technology. It exemplifies what those of us who live within the Adirondack Park strive for, a sense of history in our neighborhoods, while containing all the technology to be as current and as efficient as possible. (Town of Essex)

Learn more about the town’s sewage treatment plant and the award they’ve won for it here!

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Attention Artists – It’s that time again! Sign up now!

The NCCCA Open-Air Artist Market will take place on Saturday, July 13, 2013 from 10am to 4pm at the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts (23 Brinkerhoff St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901). This event is an opportunity for local artists to display and sell their fine-art work. The market will not only be filled with artists but also family activities, class demonstrations, silent auction/raffle, and live performances. (NCCCA website)

Locals and visitors don’t forget to mark your calendars too, so that you can experience this wonderful event!

Want to be a Vendor?

Are you interested in being a vendor? Please visit the NCCCA website and fill out the application by June 1st! There are only 40 vendor positions, so register now!

Visit www.plattsburgharts.org  for more information and to see the application! Please email gallery@plattsburgharts.org with any questions or call the Arts Center at 518-563-1604.

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College for Every Student (CFES) works with low income students to help them succeed in high school and gives them access to and the tools to fulfill their goals in college.

In January of 2012, CFES relocated their administrative head office to Essex, NY. They began operating out of a small section of the Essex Inn, however, since then they have expanded their offices extensively.

CFES acquired the post office building on Main Street and began a total overhaul. The newly renovated structure houses staff offices on the second floor and ground-floor commercial space. [It also contains the new] CFES Center, where CFES staff will conduct trainings and workshops for educators and students. (Denpubs)

CFES Dedication and Reception

CFES President and CEO Rick Dalton speaking in the organization’s new facility in Essex, NY. (Credit: Keith Lobdell.)

College For Every Student will reveal its new building at 2303 Main Street in Essex, NY, on Friday, May 10th, during a dedication ceremony beginning at 5:00 pm.

Several esteemed guests will be there to speak about the importance of the CFES mission and how this new building will affect the local community.

Congressman Bill Owens, Senator Betty Little, Former New York Governor George Pataki, and Assemblyman Dan Stec will speak about the national impact of CFES and what the new building means to the local economy. (Denpubs)

Former CFES Scholars will also be attending to speak about the adversity and struggles they’ve overcome to succeed in their educations with the help of CFES.

A ceremonial ribbon will end the dedication. CFES President and CEO Rick Dalton will be joined by CFES board members and the attending politicians to symbolically open the new building.

During the reception that follows, former CFES Scholars of some fame will entertain the audience with special performances.

Attendees will also be treated to a tap-dancing performance by former CFES Scholar Josh Johnson, who has appeared on Dancing with the Stars and the Ellen DeGeneres and Katie Couric shows. Former American Idol contestant Janelle Bechdol will entertain guests during the 6:00 p.m. reception. (Denpubs)

CATS trail marker

Celebrate Champlain Area Trails
Saturday, June 1, 2013
4-6pm
At Block House Farm in Essex, NY.

Get together with Champlain Area Trails (CATS) to honor National Trails Day! Celebrate our local network of trails maintained by Champlain Area Trails on Saturday, June 1 from 4-6pm at Block House Farm in Essex, NY.

The featured speaker at the event will be William Janeway, the Adirondack Council‘s new Executive Director. The speech will be followed by food and drink.

Pre-registration $15 per person, $30 per family, children free. Purchase tickets at the CATS website or send a check to PO Box 193, Westport, NY 12993.

Hike on National Trails Day

Get your hiking boots ready for National Trails Day! (Photo credit: arnybo)

June 1st is National Trails Day, so of course you should get out on the trails to show your appreciation!  Before attending the special CATS celebration check out these hiking adventures you can attend earlier in the day:

• Join in the Cheney Mountain Iron Ore Man Hiking Event on Pelfershire Rd in Moriah at 8:45 am.
• Hike Black Kettle Nature Trail to see the unveiling of the beautiful new interpretive signs designed by local naturalist and illustrator Sheri Amsel. Meet at 1:00 on Cook Road just west of Leaning Road in Essex.

Time Running Out to Enter CATS Photo Contest

One more announcement for you: There’s still time to Enter CATS first Photo and Caption Contest! They are accepting entries through May 15th.

Submit up to five photos you’ve taken while on the CATS trails to catscontest@gmail.com. Include a 25-100 word narrative with each photo to share the story of the moment you captured. Learn more about the contest here!

If you have any questions email info@champlainareatrails.com or contact CATS by phone at 518-962-2287.

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Adirondack Polo Club logo

Have you heard of the Adirondack Polo Club in Westport, NY? I had no idea until recently that it existed! I’d vaguely heard of the sport, but did not realize it was played so close by. A team-sport on horseback? That sounds very interesting to watch.

The organization’s website describes this exciting sport as follows:

The 2,500 year old game of polo is one of the fastest, roughest, and most dangerous sports played today. It is gaining popularity as a premier spectator sport and is an easy game for the first time spectator to enjoy. Imagine the excitement of seeing players on thoroughbred horses bumping and jostling with each other, similar to hockey on horseback, racing at top speeds down the field, while striking a small white ball with the precision of an experienced golfer. (Adirondack Polo Club)

If you want to watch a match this summer there is good news. Spectators can watch for free!

Become a Member

Polo player (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do you want to play polo? Or participate in a match in some other way? Then become a member of the Adirondack Polo Club!

To be a playing member, all you need is one horse! Non-playing memberships are also available. Help with scoring, timing, flaggers. Enjoy the games, parties and experience the exciting game of polo from the inside!(Adirondack Polo Club)

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Check out the organization’s website at www.adirondackpolo.com to learn more. Contact the club at play@adirondackpolo.com or call 518-572-9391.

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The Crux will start grilling at 5pm on May 18th! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Potluck Dinner
At The Crux
May 18th
5:00 pm

Did you hear that The Crux will be open this summer? Well, it’s true! Regular hours will end on May 19th, but beginning on May 29th the special summer schedule will begin. The Crux will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm.

To celebrate the end of the spring season and the organization’s first summer run, The Crux is organizing a potluck dinner event! Climbers be ready on Saturday, May 18th! Enjoy some climbing in the morning, and then at 5:00 pm get ready to eat! Don’t forget to bring a dish to share!

Here’s the announcement straight from the source:

It has been a blast getting to know everyone this spring, and I’m looking forward to having our new summer hours! To celebrate our climbing community and to cap off the Spring climbing season at The Crux, I would like to invite you to our first climber’s potluck to be held on Saturday, May 18th. We’ll still open at noon, but the wall will close around 5 to transition into grill and food mode. Bring a dish to share, or grill. We’ll have some fresh routes set in the morning. Let us know if you can make it out! (The Crux)

Explore The Crux website for more information and directions! Be sure to check out their f.a.q. page and also see if the center is offering any exciting deals. Or you can call The Crux at 518-963-4646.

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Belden Noble Memorial Library in Essex, NY

Do you use the library to find books to read? Music to listen to? For research? For any other reason? If so, then you want to know your local library’s opening hours!

Patrons of the library should be aware that the  Belden Noble Memorial Library in Essex, NY, began operating on its summer schedule May 1st. This schedule opens the library to the public more often! Here are the summer hours:

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Not open on Sundays.

Upcoming Library Events

The library is also planning events for this summer! Here are a couple that are set for the library’s summer program:

• Music Jams: Last Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm, (5/30, 6/27, 7/25, 8/29)
• Wednesday, June 12, at 7:00, Getting the Most from Your Library Card, by Tom Mangano
• Wednesday, July 10, time TBA. Iceland Adventure, by Jim and Colleen Van Hoven

Other programs are in the works but have not yet been scheduled. Keep an eye on the library’s website for new announcements!

Contact Belden Noble Library

The Belden Noble Memorial Library is located directly across from the Essex-Charlotte ferry. Contact Library Director Tom Mangano at (518) 963-8079 or by email at bnoblelib1899@willex.com if you have any questions. Visit the Beldon Noble Memorial Library website to learn more.

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Heritage Properties of the Adirondacks was founded in 2009 by Lauren Murphy. This real estate company is dedicated to connecting buyers with historic homes and properties in nature that will continue to be preserved and protected by new owners.

Find the right local real estate and ensure that an important part of Essex and Champlain Valley heritage remains for future generations.

The goals of Heritage Properties of the Adirondacks are to connect people who love old houses with historic houses for sale in the Essex, NY area and to encourage restoration, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse. We seek conservation buyers who will preserve and protect the wild forests, rivers and rural landscapes in the boquet river valley (Essex, Westport, Willsboro, and Lewis areas) and around the Split Rock Wildway Wildlife Corridor connecting Lake Champlain with the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. (Heritage Properties of the Adirondacks)

Find the current home listings on offer here.

Contact

For more information you can contact:

Heritage Properties of the Adirondacks
Lauren Murphy, Licensed Real Estate Broker
PO Box 351 • 7 School Street • Essex, New York  12936
Phone/Fax: 518 963 7876 • essexrealtor@westelcom.com

Learn more on the website Heritage Properties of the Adirondacks.

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Depot Theatre in Westport, NY

The Depot Theatre is a professional theatre company located in a functioning train station built in 1876. This year they are celebrating their 35th Anniversary! The theatre is a beacon for the arts; along with all of the theatre productions put on here, another popular event hosted at the theatre are art galleries featuring local artists!

Depot Theatre Gallery: Reception for Artist Gharan Burton

The Depot Theatre Gallery will host a closing reception for artist Gharan Burton on Wednesday, May 8 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

One of Gharan Burton’s paintings on display in the Depot Theatre Gallery.

Gharan’s colorful and meaningful work represents his experiences growing up in a rural village located on the Caribbean island of Dominica to his relocation to New York State. This body of work spans a few years and makes use of varying textures and color relations.

The reception will feature wine tastings from the Depot Theatre’s “Gallery Receptions” sponsor: Amazing Grace Vineyard and Winery located in Chazy, NY. For more information visit www.depottheatre.org.

Depot Theatre Events

There are four great mainstage shows (stay tuned for more information as the show dates approach) and other events lined up for this summer. Subscriptions for the 2013 season and single tickets are currently available. The next “Bingo for the Depot” will be in June.

For more information about the 35th Anniversary Season and other Depot Theatre events check their website or call the Depot Theatre Box Office at 518-962-4449 or email info@depottheatre.org.

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LCT Ferry Brochure 1958 (cover)

It’s time for another throwback to old days of  Essex, NY! Today, we’re sharing another vintage ferry brochure–this time from 1958!

Credit goes to Lorri Carson for providing us with this vintage brochure. Thanks very much for sharing it with us! If any of you viewers have unique or vintage Essex memorabilia or photographs we’d love to see it and share it on the Essex on Lake Champlain Blog! Please let us know!

Colorful Cover Art

The cover seems to be decorated in an art style that looks like colorful layered paper. The layers of yellow form a sun that highlights the title “Lake Champlain Ferry Crossings.” The mountains rising in the background are the Green Mts. of Vermont or New York’s Adirondacks. Can anyone tell which they are meant to be? Or perhaps they are meant to be either.

The multi-colored greens, blues, and purples are meant to create the waters and currents of Lake Champlain. There are even little fish-shaped cutouts swimming below the ferry.

The ferry featured on the cover it pictured full of cars and people. Can anyone name the specific ferry?

We’ve transcribed some of the most enjoyable content from this brochure below for you to enjoy.

Essex Ferry Prices

Check out the prices the Essex-Charlotte ferry crossing used to charge in 1958. They really make one long for the old days!

One way……..Car & Driver $1.85, Adult Passengers 35c, Children 5 to 12 years 20c, Maximum Fare $3.25

Round Trip……..Car & Driver $2.75, Adult Passengers 50c, Children 5 to 12 years 25c, Maximum Fare $4.75

Foot Passengers same Fare as Car Passengers

Breakfast on Board

LCT Ferries used to include breakfast on board for only 45c! Check out the menu below:

Large Fruit Juice
Toast & Marmalade or Donuts
Coffee, Milk, Tea, or Hot Chocolate

LCT Ferry Brochure 1958 (interior)

The brochure claims that this would “Save Time in the Morning!” It seems that the menu grew a bit since the 1957 ferry brochure was released.

Historical Lake Champlain

A bit of Lake Champlain history is provided in the interior of the brochure:

Historical Lake Champlain, sixth largest fresh water lake in the United States, lies between Vermont’s famous Green Mountains and the great Adirondacks of New York State. It extends 136 miles from the Canadian border past Fort Ticonderoga south to the village of Whitehall, the birthplace of the American Navy. The lake comprises an area of great historical significance. The first American naval battle was fought against the British at Valcour Island in 1776. Many believe that mountain scenery as seen from Lake Champlain is without parallel in this country. Your vacation trips are pleasanter and more relaxing as you enjoy these crossings while saving time and many travel miles.

Delightful Lake Rides for Foot Passengers

An interior segment of the brochure extols the beauty and pleasure of Lake Champlain ferry rides:

Enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain views on the Streamline Ferry crossing between Burlington, VT., and Port Kent, N.Y. The round trip takes two hours and twenty minutes and will be one to long remember especially if taken at sunset. Refreshments and souvenirs are available in the passenger lounge of either the “Valcour” or the newly acquired “Adirondack” which in addition to the inside lounge has a spacious outside upper deck for passengers. If you live or are vacationing near Lake Champlain make sure to take this beautiful and historic ride.

We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the past! See all pages of this brochure in the gallery below. Click for larger view.

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Climbers at The Crux may be saddening at the usual summer closing of the indoor climbing center, but we have good news! Not only can you enjoy the outdoor climbing available throughout the Champlain Valley, but The Crux will remain open this summer! Their hours of operation will be limited, but for those of you who prefer climbing indoors our local climbing center’s walls will be available to offer you a workout.

Regular hours will end on May 19th, but beginning on May 29th the special summer schedule will begin. The Crux will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm.

Check out this note sent out to Crux climbers about the exciting news:

The last day for our current spring hours will be May 19th. The good news is that we will be open Mondays and Wednesdays (6-9pm), starting on May 29th. We haven’t had open hours in past summers, so Brian and I are excited to continue climbing with you all through the camp season. With your help it will be a great success and we can do it again next summer. Get out and enjoy the weather, and we’ll see you in the evenings for a cool workout!

Explore The Crux website for more information and directions! Be sure to check out their f.a.q. page and also see if the center is offering any exciting deals. Or you can call The Crux at 518-963-4646.

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Essex-Charlotte ferry

The Essex-Charlotte ferry will begin its spring schedule on Monday, May 6th! This will mean longer hours and more frequent trips!

Schedule for May 6 – June 12:

• Departs VT: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
• Departs NY: 6:30 am – 8:30 pm

At the beginning and end of the day the ferry will be arriving every hour, but throughout midday, 10am-5pm (VT) and 10:30am-5:30pm (NY), it will arrive every half hour.

You can see the complete schedule on the Lake Champlain Transportation (LCT) website.

There may be delays due to weather conditions. If you depend the ferry for your transportation needs and want up to date information you can text “LCTFerries” to 24587 to receive important schedule updates on your phone.

Essex-Charlotte Ferry Tips

Here are some reminders for Essex ferry commuters to remember about this  crossing:

• All LCT ferries currently have a 1% fuel surcharge applied to each ticket sale.
• LCT no longer sells round trip tickets. There is a discount commuter card available for those who frequently use the ferry and want to save some money. As of May 1, 2013, the minimum purchase and recharge on this card has increased to $200.
• This particular crossing takes about 25 minutes. So don’t forget to factor that into your travel time!
• Credit cards are currently not accepted at this crossing location.

You can contact LCT about the Essex-Charlotte ferry schedule and any other questions by calling (802) 864-9804.

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View from the Office Window: 1st Grade African Drumming and French Lessons

Children drumming (Credit: pathtorhythm.com)

I sit on the south porch writing this week because we continue to have internet challenges and… it’s a beautiful day!  The added bonus of sitting in the sun on the porch is being able to experience the 1st grade’s French class.  They sit on the benches in the yard in a circle with Mademoiselle Racey.  Each child has a West African drum on their lap and is learning different rhythms.  Mademoiselle Racey offers a rhythm and the first graders copy the rhythm.  Then there are six drums singing the particular rhythm.  The whole class is conducted mostly in French, and the children respond right away to Mademoiselle Racey’s instructions.  As the class goes on, each child is allowed to develop her own rhythm, within the parameters that Mademoiselle Racey sets.  Then each child teaches her rhythm to the others.    This patterning is a critical skill to develop, both in being able to copy patterns and to create them.  These skills are important for children not only in music development but are also necessary for children as fundamental skills in both language arts and mathematics.  Reading and spelling rely highly on pattern recognition as well as developing versatility of computation with the four operations in arithmetic.  The drumming section of the class finishes with each child playing his own rhythm and six individual drums sing in chorus with the other!  The class ends with the children reciting a poem in French.

What a way to spend an afternoon class in first grade – outside, drumming, and learning French all the while strengthening important skills for mathematics and language arts.

I hope you are enjoy this warmer weather as much as the children at Lakeside!

Until next week,
Kathleen Morse

Field Trip (Image courtesy of Whallonsburg Grange)

Saturday, May 18 at 7pm
Field Trip with Collin J. Rocker and other special guests
At Whallonsburg Grange Hall

Attend this special Grange concert for a mix of blues & country music from the band Field Trip and special guests!

A family-friendly, two-stepping, farm market, boot-scooting, raffle-winning, good food, good tunes, good time. Everyone loves a Field Trip! (Whallonsburg Grange Hall)

Tickets: $10 advance/$12 door. Under 18 ticket is $5. Special family ticket price $20.

The Band

Originally from Bozeman, Montana, Field Trip plays their own brand of slack country blues. It’s a slow rolling country and blues musical approach that reflects the Montana way of life. It’s a relaxed, comfortable, but not lazy sound that takes listeners on a journey through the well-worn back roads of the Country and Americana musical traditions and leaves a warm feeling that lingers long after the band has packed up and moved on. (Whallonsburg Grange Hall)

Field Trip members are:

• Brent “Blue” Maculski (lead guitar)
• Katrina Hamilton (accordion, vocals)
• Will Hartzell (lap steel, vocals)
• Cache Hartzell (guitar, vocals)
• Keith Martinez (bass)

Special guest, Collin J. Rocker is a New Jersey-based singer/songwriter who plays the blues with a Tom Waits style on guitar and pedal-steel guitar. Listen to some of his music here.

Contact Whallonsburg Grange

For more information you can call 518-962-4386 or e-mail: ghall@westelcom.com. If you’ve never been before, then follow these directions to the Grange.

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