New York travel | Travel Thru History

Colonial History in New York’s Mohawk Valley

by Lisa Evans

“There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.”
– Harry S. Truman

St. Johnsville, New York is ripe with Colonial history. It is a charming, quaint village located just a bit over an hour west of Albany and situated along the Mohawk River. Growing up here, I was surrounded by history and places that my youthful mind never appreciated nor found necessary to explore outside classes in high school. Within 15 minutes of my childhood home stands places so steeped in history that all are listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Fort Klock is likely the most well-known of these places. This homestead, still intact and standing, was built in 1750 by Johannes Klock. Fort Klock played a prominent role in the Revolutionary war, with its owners taking part in the Battle of Oriskany and the bloody encounter known as the Battle of Klock’s Field. While Fort Klock is an amazing place to visit, today I would like to focus on lesser known gems in the Mohawk Valley.

Together, lets sojourn back to these places a few hundred years ago, back to Colonial America, back to Europe in the 18th century, and learn of the people who emigrated to the American colonies in search of freedom and a better life. Let’s learn of the ones who were already here, and the places they built which miraculously are still standing today – over 250 years later.

Indian Castle Church

This quaint, beautiful church is located not far from either Little Falls, in Herkimer County or St. Johnsville in Montgomery County. It is quite simply a lovely country church built in 1769 by Sir William Johnson.

Sir William was an honorary member of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and the British Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the Colonies. It was built as a mission church to teach Christianity to the Mohawk Nation, one of the Five Nations of the Iroquois League. The land the church is built on was donated by Molly and Joseph Brant, two prominent siblings of the Mohawks of the time. Molly was also Sir William’s companion for many years, having been mother to several of his children. Her brother Joseph became a Mohawk leader and war chief.

Today, it is the only Indian mission church still surviving in New York State and is owned by the Indian Castle Church Preservation Society. The church itself is very simple and lovely. In historical records, it is listed only that as “a wooden church, 50-foot-long by 32 wide.” Its dedication service was in June of 1770. Unfortunately, it never truly acquired a permanent catechist to live among the Mohawks, but there were frequent services performed by neighboring missionaries.

After the British were defeated in the Revolutionary War, the building stood vacant for quite some time. By 1855, the church was in desperate need of renovation and a separate group of churches formed an accord to rebuild Indian Castle Church. Originally, it had been built facing East-West. During the renovation, it was moved on a 90-degree angle, so the entrance now faced North-South. There were many changes made to the structure but today it still holds the original super-structure and a small window in the south attic wall. The roof still possesses its 18th century steep pitch.

Behind the church lies a cemetery and burial grounds which has original headstones and remains of both Mohawks and Europeans. It is an eerily beautiful spot, looking down on the Church from the hill above. A peaceful resting place for its residents, some dating back centuries.

Old Palatine Church

This enchantingly humble church is located on State Route 5, between Nelliston and St. Johnsville.

In the early 1700s, many Palatine Germans left their home along the Rhine Valley in southwest Germany in search of economic, religious and social freedom. They first ventured to England. The Crown saw them as a means to settle Colonial America, in the Colony of New York, on the frontier to help England hold the land from the Indians and the French. Many settled in the Schoharie Valley, and many moved to the Mohawk Valley. These pioneers played a significant role in making America. They fought and died at the battles of Oriskany and Saratoga.

One such prominent family was the Nellis family. There were several branches – some were loyalists to the Crown while others were colonial settlers, intent on making a better life. The Nellis family was one of four who provided the necessary funding to build the Old Palatine Church in 1770, making it one of the oldest churches in the Mohawk Valley. It has massive stone walls, made from the limestone taken from a nearby creek. It still has the gilded bronze rooster on top of the spire, donated by the Nellis family.

During the American Revolution, there were devastating raids across the Schoharie and Mohawk Valley. The British were burning all the farms, trying to force the colonists to retreat and leave the fertile farmland along the Mohawk River to the British. It was to be resettled once they won the war. One such raid took place in 1780 not far from the church. While all the other farms on the road were ravaged, Old Palatine Church was not harmed. It is said the British officer stopped there because he had made a promise to his friend Henry Nellis not to harm the church his family had built.

In 1938, the Palatine Society of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Inc. took possession of the deed with the purpose of maintaining the integrity of the history of the Church and ensuring it would always be used as a place of worship.

Through the years, the building fell into disrepair and with the generosity of local families, restoration of the Church was made possible. Inside your will find books and other items of historical significance, housed in glass cases to preserve them. The open rafters in the ceiling, the pulpit and sparkling windows allow one to feel the magic of the building. Possibly the clearest statement of this house of worship – besides the history that has seeped into its walls – is the pipe organ.

This magnificent pipe organ was built in 1978 by Robert S. Rowland, in the fashion of organs built by David Tannenberg of the Moravian church. Mr. Tannenberg was the first notable organ builder in the 1700s. The organ was designed to match the interior of the church. It was the last organ done by Mr. Rowland in his long career, being built in Ossining, NY and transported and assembled inside Old Palatine Church.

The church was placed on the National Register of Historical places in 1973, and today still holds limited worship services and special events.

1747 Nellis Tavern

Located just east of the village of St. Johnsville, on State Route 5, you will find Nellis Tavern (photo at top). Another branch from the large Nellis family was Christian Nellis Sr., who moved into the Mohawk Valley in 1722. In 1725, he obtained land and built a homestead along with Fort Nellis near the Mohawk River. By 1747, the Nellis Tavern was born – during the 18th century, travelers were not turned away. With that in mind, and with the tavern’s proximity to the Mohawk River, many travelers docked along the river and sought food and drink at the tavern. As my guide stated, it was rather like a “Bed and Breakfast with Booze.”

By 1767, Christian Sr. had deeded the property to Christian Jr., and the tavern tradition carried on. Not too many years beyond that, the Revolutionary War came to the area and with it came a situation much like that of the Civil War almost a century later. While perhaps not considered at the time, the war pitted family members against family members – splitting them apart. Some fought for the Crown and some fought for the Colonies. The Nellis family was not immune to this trend. Much of the Mohawk Valley was burned, but some buildings remained standing. Perhaps, as in the case of the Old Palatine Church, the Nellis family Loyalist connections saved the 1747 Nellis Tavern.

The building remained a tavern through the mid-1800s. Prior to the Civil War it reverted to being strictly a farmhouse and homestead. It was lived in by members of the Nellis family until the 1950s and then fell into grave disrepair. In the 1980s, the Palatine Settlement Society purchased the land and building, and renovations began and continue to this day.

The allure of the 1747 Nellis Tavern is not only in its history, but also in its architectural and artistic components. Once inside, you can follow the history of the building through all its phases – it is truly fascinating. There are so many nuances, it takes a true visit to appreciate it all, but a few that stood out are listed below.

The wattle and daub construction of the walls. This technique is used in timber framed houses – in between the scored upright stakes, the area is filled with wood, limbs, whatever is available mixed with mud, dirt or animal dung. Then plaster is placed over this. This type of construction affords great insulation for the home. Despite the renovations that have been done, when inside the home, you can see where the original buildings and walls were, where the second story was added, the different size doors in the center room, and the original staircase up to the second floor.

The artistic stenciling on the walls of the home is something that is truly incredible. During restoration, some wallpaper was removed to reveal underneath 19th century early American stencils. There are seventeen different patterns, including the thistle and tulip. Through a technical assistance grant, the Palatine Settlement Society was able to identically replicate the original stencils from the plaster walls on the newly installed sheetrock. When you see the intricate and beautiful stenciling, you are in awe of the work that goes into this type of art. In the first-floor parlor, there are still three separate stencil patterns, furthering evidence this was once three separate rooms.

The house was ‘reoriented’, meaning originally the door to the home was facing the Mohawk River. In the early 19th century, the Mohawk Turnpike was established. As this now served as the means of travel for most, the back door was made the front and vice versa to ensure the travelers had full access to the tavern. This is also about the time the second story was built to accommodate more guests.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the late 19th century clasp Bible that is present. This was a Nellis family bible, from the William Nellis branch who had settled near Stone Arabia. It was captivating to see something so sacred to the family on display.

Lovers of times past already know the area in and around St. Johnsville, in the center of the Mohawk Valley, is filled with historical significance for those who choose to look and appreciate.

The next time you take a trip and want to explore some charming off-the-beaten-path places with monumental history at your fingertips, venture to the Mohawk Valley. From Albany, head west on the NYS Thruway (I-90) or Route 5. From Utica or Syracuse, head east. You will not be disappointed.

For More Information:

Indian Castle Church is located at 141 Dillenbeck Rd, Little Falls, NY 13365

Old Palatine Church is in Fort Plain, NY 13339

Nellis Tavern is located at 7355 St. Rte. 5, just east of St. Johnsville, NY 13452

About the author:
Lisa Evans is a freelance travel writer and photographer, currently based in Coastal Mississippi after having relocated from Central New York several years ago. Her love of travel and historical places with stories to tell, in addition to her admiration of beautiful, poignant photographs has ignited her desire to write stories and take photos that will instill a desire in her readers to explore the world and discover new places. With a background in tourism, sales and events, she has a unique perspective of the interests of many people. Lisa is a member of TravMedia and Travel Writer’s Cafe and has written for various publications. She maintains a website at WriterLisa.com as well as a social media presence on Instagram.

Photo credits:
All photographs are by Lisa Evans:
1. Nellis tavern
2. Indian Castle Church
3. Aged headstones in cemetery of Indian Castle church
4. Old Palatine Church
5. Palatine Church Pipe Organ
6. Nellis Tavern stove room
7. Nellis Tavern family Bible

Morningside Heights, New York City

A Different Look at a Well-known City

by Susmita Sengupta

When we ask anyone about New York City, invariably the phrase that instantly comes to most people’s mind is that it is a city that is perpetually in motion. “The city that never sleeps,” is the expression used consistently. Tourists flock to see the major attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, the famous museums, 9/11 Memorial, Central Park and of course, Times Square.

But then, just a few miles north of the bustling clamor of Times Square, one can enter a very different world of relative quietness and calm. This is the neighborhood known as Morningside Heights, home to several excellent educational institutions and also a few other points of interest. The area begins from 110th Street in the south, ends at 125th Street to the north and is bookended by the Riverside and Morningside parks.

Though it is now frequented by some New York bus tours, the neighborhood is moderately free of tourists. If one has a couple of extra hours available, one can take this wonderful side trip if one wants to experience a different portrait of New York.

The best place to start would be at the campus of Columbia University, ensconced between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, the only Ivy League institution to be located in a major city. The university founded as King’s College in 1754 at the behest of King George II of England is the oldest higher education institution in New York State. Starting in a schoolhouse in Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan, the university moved to its present campus on Broadway and 116th Street in 1897. Although there are many gates to enter into the campus, I entered through the main wrought iron gates located on Broadway at 116th Street, immediately outside the subway stop and instantly felt myself transported as if to a college town. I was now on College Walk, the promenade that visually splits the campus into two halves. To my left was Low Memorial Library and to my right was Butler Library, the main library of the university. Low Library, built in the Roman Classical style is well known as the venue for the bestowal of the Pulitzer Prize, the foremost award in journalism and arts. The broad set of steps with the imposing Alma Mater bronze statue in the center that descend from the Low library was filled with students relaxing or studying.

About 23,000 students descend on the college grounds to attend classes on school days. I climbed up the steps to take a walk through the main areas of the campus, passing by the various department buildings. The campus is home to many outdoor sculptures such as Rodin’s The Thinker, Henry Moore’s Reclining Figure and Three-way piece: Points and what turned out to be my favorite, Tight Rope Walker by the Dutch sculptor Kees Verkade located on the bridge above Amsterdam Avenue on the way to Columbia Law School. Of course, I could not miss the massive sculpture “Bellerophon taming Pegasus” at the entrance to the Law School. About five stories high, it is one of the largest in New York City and was sculpted by Jacques Lipchitz.

Finishing up at the campus, I walked a few streets up to 120th Street to see Riverside Church and Grant’s Tomb located close to each other. The imposing spires of Riverside Church is visible from a distance and I found out that it reflects the 13th century Gothic Cathedral in Chartres, France. The nave has a labyrinth design inspired by the one in the Chartres Cathedral. The church can seat close to two thousand worshipers and is well known for the largest tuned Carillon bell in the world. Historically the church is famous for the “Beyond Vietnam” speech given here by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1967. Nelson Mandela, the Nobel Laureate and former President of South Africa, spoke twice from the pulpit here, first in 1990, barely four months after his release from prison and then again in 2005.

On the way to Riverside Church, one can see the magnificent red buildings of Teachers College, and the small, elegant campus of Barnard College, two other major educational institutions in the neighborhood. At Manhattan School of Music, which began as the Institute of Musical Art, the antecedent to the world famous Juilliard School, opposite Riverside Church on Claremont Avenue, one can even take in a musical performance in one of its many halls and performance spaces.

Across the street from the church on Riverside Drive is Grant’s Tomb, the second largest mausoleum monument in North America. A stark and austere granite and marble tomb, surrounded by a tree lined plaza, it is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the US and the Commander of the Union Army during the Civil War and his wife, Julia. It was designed by the architect John H. Duncan in the Roman Revival style and was completed in 1897.

Cathedral of Saint John the Divine at 110th street and Amsterdam Avenue can be another stop on this trip. At 125 years old and considered as the largest cathedral in the world, it is built in a mix of Romanesque, Byzantine and Gothic Revival style and is actually still unfinished. The extensive grounds of the cathedral are also open to the public and one can spend some tranquil moments in the Biblical garden or at the Peace Fountain, a startling piece of public art that is a peculiar mix of science and religion and denotes the eternal theme of good overcoming evil. On the sunny day that I visited, the benches were full and people surrounded the fountain, taking pictures at various angles. Always on the lookout for an Indian connection, I was heartened to see a little bronze plaque with the words of Mahatma Gandhi.

Coming back to Broadway, lined with a variety of stores, restaurants and cafes, you can stop by at Tom’s Restaurant, a fixture of the neighborhood since the 1940s made famous in the song “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega and for being the location of Monk’s Diner, familiar to all viewers of “Seinfeld,” the hit American sitcom from the 1990s.

I finished off my tour by taking a walk through Riverside Park, a lengthy sweep of green filled with trees, pretty gardens and long, winding asphalt paths that extends over four miles from 72nd street to 158th street with parts of it right along the Hudson River. In the Morningside Heights area, which is situated at a higher elevation, I could see the river from the lookout areas in the park. The sun was setting and I strolled through the park, watching joggers, moms with strollers, people walking their dogs or just sitting on the many benches enjoying nature in the midst of the busiest city in the world.

If You Go:

From Times Square: 20 minutes by subway to 116th Street station (Columbia University) on the Uptown 1 train.

The M4, M104 and M60 buses also stop at 116th street.

For more information:

Columbia University History

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

Riverside Church

Grant’s Tomb

About the author:
Susmita Sengupta is a freelance writer who loves to travel. She and her family have traveled to various parts of the USA, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Middle East, Southeast Asia and India.

All photos by Susmita Sengupta.

Columbia University campus with College Walk and Low Library
A View of the neighborhood of Morningside Heights
Grant’s Tomb and its surrounding plaza
Neon lighted façade of Tom’s Restaurant

New York’s Olcott Beach Then And Now

by Karen S. Roberts

While looking for a quiet lakeside rental cottage for a short vacation, I stumbled upon Olcott Beach in the tiny hamlet of Olcott, NY. Not only did I find a cottage, but I discovered a quaint town with some interesting history.

Back in the early 1900’s, Olcott Beach was a resort area. When a trolley line was put in place between the towns of Lockport and Olcott in 1900, summer visitors flocked to the beach to enjoy the cool breezes of Lake Ontario and entertainment. Also vacationers arrived by steamship. During the early years of the 1900’s, over 100,000 tourists arrived yearly.

Visiting Olcott now, it’s hard to believe that it once teemed with tourists. The streets near the beach are lined with numerous summer cottages. At the Beachfront Vacation Cottages where we stayed, my husband and I enjoyed sitting on the deck each day, looking out over the beautiful lake with its sailboats, speedboats, kayakers, ducks, and sea gulls. On a nearby marina pier, several fishermen enjoyed the summer weather and each other’s company into the evening. But there were no big crowds.

Olcott Beach especially became popular when The Luna Amusement Park opened in 1898, featuring live entertainment at the Dreamland Dance Hall. As the crowds increased due to the trolley, eight hotels opened in the area to accommodate folks who came to enjoy the beach and entertainment.

The most popular hotel was the Olcott Grand Hotel, with one hundred rooms and a huge veranda overlooking the beach. Swimmers had direct access to the water from the hotel. But the real draw for tourists was the Grand Ballroom of 14,000 square feet. It was the beginning of the Big Band era, and popular musicians performed there. These included Guy Lombardo and Louis Armstrong.

Unfortunately, due to the Great Depression when people had little money to spend, in addition to the increase in automobile ownership, the hotel business at Olcott Beach and many other Lake Ontario tourist communities floundered. People could drive to the beach for a day and return home without spending money on a hotel. In 1927 a huge fire wiped out many buildings and the amusement park along the main part of the tourist area. The Grand Hotel was repaired, but only survived a few more years. Due to deterioration, the building was demolished in 1937.

Then in 1942 there was an upswing of summer visitors, although not the hotel business. The new Olcott Amusement Park became a tourist attraction. But it closed in 1986. Another small amusement park called New Rialto was open at Olcott Beach during some of those years as well. These small parks couldn’t compete with Darien Lake Amusement Park, which is now a Six Flags park. That park is only 43 miles from Olcott and opened in the early 1980’s.

Today Olcott is still an attraction for swimming, boating, and fishing. The town now sponsors major fishing derbies which draw in folks who love to compete for trophy fish. In 2012, Olcott Beach won the title of “Ultimate Fishing Town” in an annual contest sponsored by The World Fishing Network. The deep harbor is well known as a great place to catch salmon and trout.

The area north of Main Street in Olcott is the part of town called Olcott Beach. One of the unique characteristics is what might be the tiniest boardwalk anywhere with just a few seasonal shops.

When we parked near the shops, we immediately heard the “oom-pa-pa” of a carousel’s Wurlizer Band organ. The Olcott Beach Carousel Park was developed in 2003-2004 by local volunteers who raised funds for building a vintage amusement park.. It features an old time Herschell-Spillman two-row carousel and a few other kiddie rides for only 25 cents a ride! They can do this because the park is staffed by volunteers and is incorporated as a nonprofit organization. When you enter this quaint park you feel like you are going back in time to around 1945.

The local volunteers who restored the round carousel building made sure that it resembled the original one that was built in the 1940’s. The volunteers take pride in letting children experience the fun of simple amusements like the ones enjoyed when their grandparents were children. This cute little park is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day each year.

After a stroll through the mini-boardwalk and the park, we went around the corner to eat at the Mariner’s Landing restaurant. We chose to eat inside due to the heat that evening. But we could have eaten on an outdoor upper deck which offers a stunning view of Lake Ontario and nearby Krull Park. The inside was filled with nautical decor, especially on an upper ledge that ran all the way around the dining room. It was filled with models of ships, lighthouses, sea captains, and other knick-knacks. They were fascinating to look at.

Both of us ordered fish dinners. The waiter seemed a bit impatient as we asked questions about substitutions for potatoes and coleslaw, but he also was quite busy covering several tables in the dining room as well as out front on the sidewalk. Later he stopped by and in a more friendly way chatted about how to cook cabbage. We enjoyed our dinners and viewing the decor. We had to wait awhile to get our check, but overall eating there was fun.

After our meal we needed to walk off some calories and wandered across the narrow street into the beautiful 325-acre Krull Park. The park overlooks the lake in the area where the old Grand Hotel once stood. We didn’t go down the steep stone step pathway to the beach below where the swimming area is, but enjoyed the view from above. The park is pleasantly arranged with benches, picnic areas, and pavilions. We heard that over the summer several festivals take place at the park. Across Main St. is another section of the park. In a drive-by, we could see busy recreation fields and courts that were full of kids playing sports, along with spectators. A cheerleading squad was practicing within sight of the street also.

Within the park is a playground with a water spray area, as well as two ice skating rinks. This small community obviously takes pride in their park. It was very clean and nicely landscaped.

That evening we finished our day back on the deck at the cottage, hoping for a spectacular sunset over Lake Ontario. Although the sky was somewhat colorful each evening as the sun went down, we didn’t see the stunning sunsets that are often enjoyed at the lake.

I felt like we should have planned to stay a day or two longer to see other sights in the area. Olcott isn’t far from Niagara Falls and the Erie Canal that runs through Lockport. I’d like to return again next year during one of the festivals. If so, I hope to see one of those amazing sunsets!

If You Go:

♦ Olcott Beach Carousel Park
♦ Newfane and Olcott Beach Tourism Facebook Page
♦ More Info About Olcott
♦ The Buffalo News review of Mariner’s Landing
♦ History of Herschell-Spillman Carousel Making

About the author:
Karen S. Roberts, a free-lance writer and blogger, lives in Rochester, NY. You can visit her author page at amazon.com/author/karenrobertsbooks. Some of her blogs are become-a-secret-shopper.com, daily-devotionals.com, and bestgymnasticsvideos.com.

Photo credits:
It’s unusual to see four sailboats so close together on the lake – by Karen S. Roberts
It’s fun to visit these little shops that are only open during the tourist season – by Karen S. Roberts
The community takes pride in maintaining the vintage carousel – by Karen S. Roberts
Mariner’s Landing is a relaxing place to get a fish dinner in a unique nautical-themed atmosphere – by David Roberts
Krull Park, overlooking Lake Ontario – by David Roberts

Haunted Canfield Casino

Saratoga Springs, New York

by Theresa St. John

If you have an extra five bucks in your wallet and want to see something both interesting and different while wandering around the city, you need only walk into Saratoga Springs Historical Museum and Casino, located downtown, in the center of the town’s picturesque Congress Park.

A much talked about landmark, it is steeped in both history and rumors of hauntings. Once the handsome wood doors open and you step foot inside, you can say goodbye to the year 2015. You aren’t in the present era anymore. Instead you’re surrounded by gorgeous fashion of the late 1800’s displayed on old mannequins, interesting memorabilia carefully arranged in the Historical Museum’s glass cases and views of the impressive high stakes gaming room where it was men and men only who were invited to play, way back when.

Built in 1870 by John Morrissey, a famed boxer and member of the notorious Tammany Hall crew, the Casino was first known as the Saratoga Club House and there were three rules strictly adhered to while it was in business. No ladies, only cash transactions and no locals allowed.

Catering only to the very rich and very famous, the Casino drew the most elite from all over the world. Men who might gamble what could be hundreds of thousands of dollars a night, played together in this exquisite Spa City establishment.

Women were allowed to gather together in the library, over their love of music and gossip, while the men wagered throughout the long hours of the night.

John Morrissey passed away in 1878 and the Club House fell into a state of decline until 1893. when Mr. Richard Canfield purchased it. Although he’d decided to keep the name of the Club House intact, it was the public that dubbed it ‘Canfield Casino’ and it stuck. Nearly $1 million was devoted to renovations, with a stunning grand ballroom added. This room had vaulted ceilings, colorful Tiffany stained-glass windows and over-the-top chandeliers, which added to the air of splendor Canfield was aiming for.

Downstairs, gamblers could begin with $1 dollar bets. Upstairs, the stakes were much higher, oftentimes as high as $100,000. Only the most elite, arriving from all over the country, walked up the long staircase to play there.

In 1907, anti-gambling forced the closing of the casino. In 1911, the city of Saratoga Springs bought the property for $150,000, a great deal less than the original price.

Today, men and woman alike can wander through sections of the museum, where original furniture from those years are arranged in it’s many rooms. Audio recordings greet you in every doorway of the Walworth Memorial Museum which is found on the third floor, allowing guests a glimpse into the wealthy and tragic families who lived in the area, as well as the vibrant political history of the time.

Glass–encased items define the chronological order of the birth of Saratoga Springs, from the 1800s to present day. Mannequins are dressed impeccably in stylish clothes and coveted furs of days gone by.

High stakes gaming tables stand among heavy sculptures and dark wood fireplaces. Long, heavy brocade drapes hang from windows that let natural light seep in, lending an air of mystery to the parlor.

Throughout the museum, but especially on the third floor, it’s been said that there have been hauntings and much paranormal activity. Of who? Of what? Depends on who you talk to.

Beginning in the mid-90’s, when a woman in Victorian dress suddenly appeared in front of a visitor, to unexpected drops in the temperature of several rooms, to physical hair-pulling and shoulder-tapping of guest who come to walk through the hallways, it is hard to deny the spine-tingling accounts of the occult.

At first, the ghostly apparitions were reported sporadically. It was after a display of antique clothing, worn by many prominent women in the area, titled ‘Fashion Of Saratoga Springs’ was added to the museum, that the sightings increased dramatically.

Even the well known SyFy channel had their ‘Ghost Hunter’ cast visit the museum. Ghostly voices and paranormal activities were made known during the time that the crew was there.

Who knows, for $5 dollars, you could be one of the lucky ones, going home with a ghost story of your own. With or without a visit from a ghost though, you will have left with a bit of rich history that the Spa City is known and loved for.

Historic Downtown Albany Walking Food Tour

If You Go:

♦ The museum opens daily to the public, 10:00am – to 4:00pm. $5 for adults – $4 for seniors and students – Members and under 12 admitted free. (518) 584-6920

♦ Canfield Casino can also be rented for elaborate weddings and other functions.

About the author:
Theresa St.John is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs, New York. Even though history was not on her radar while in high school, she has a deep interest in all things historical now. She has been on assignment for several magazines and is published in both print and on-line venues. Last year she traveled to Ireland on assignment, which, she states ” was a trip of a lifetime.” She landed the cover photo and feature article in Vacation Rental Travels Magazine highlighting her adventures there. She has written for Great Escape, International Living, Saratoga Springs Life Magazine, The Observation Post newspaper, Discover Saratoga and is a successful contributor to many stock photography sites. She is the proud mom to two young men and Nonnie to 5 rescued dogs, 2 Chinchillas and a bird. Life is good, she says. Theresa vacations in Fiji this Fall and looks forward to another great travel writing/ photography opportunity in the South Pacific.

All photos by Theresa St.John.

Chelsea High Line: A Green Space Above The Rest

New York City

by Anna Marie D’Angelo

If you haven’t been to New York City in a few years, chances are you haven’t taken a delightful walk along the Chelsea High Line in Manhattan’s lower west side.

Opened in 2009, the linear elevated park, officially called The High Line, was built on the remains of a derelict freight train route near the Hudson River. For almost two decades, only weeds used the abandoned rail bed as trucks had long replaced trains hauling freight to the factories and warehouses. The last train unceremoniously moved three carloads of frozen turkeys in 1980, according to the non-profit conservancy that runs the park.

The High Line was set to be demolished around 1999 when a couple of New Yorkers started a movement to not only save the structure, but make it an extraordinary space for park goers to enjoy. The High Line is perfect for an early evening stroll when the Big Apple starts to cool down on a hot summer’s day. It’s free and although uncomfortably crowded in spots, you can’t beat enjoying the ever-changing streetscapes and unexpected scenery at your feet.

My travelling companions and I started the High Line near its northern terminus on West 30th Street between 10th and 11th avenues. Signage was not great and we got on the High Line by climbing a metal staircase only to find that there was an elevator nearby.

The High Line is nine metres (30 feet) above ground with straightaways and gentle curves for about 20 blocks to Gansevoort Street, the heart of the Meatpacking District. The district is now trendy and commercial after years of being infamous and rundown or as the locals put it, the Meatpacking District went from raw to well done.

During our two-hour stroll, it was easy to be preoccupied with the different plants, sculptures and water features, and forget that you were on an elevated green space until you looked up and there was an amazing bird’s-eye view of this gritty part of Manhattan . Then you found yourself gawking at the old dirty buildings and the traffic, and listening to impatient honking with the odd motorist screaming at somebody from their car.

The walking path itself narrows to several people wide and expands to triple that in places with seating when it is most unexpected and appreciated. This includes a place called the 10th Avenue Square, complete with bleachers and huge picture windows for a broad view of the street life.

Where you place your feet on the High Line is also never dull. The long concrete planks are designed and laid out so rainwater runs off and waters the plants. No matter where you step, you will be reminded of railway tracks by the way the planks are always positioned.

When I went through the High Line in early summer, the plant life was thriving and, in many places, reminiscent of the greenery in Vancouver. Plants such as echinaceas, pink astilbes, ornamental grasses, shrubs and small trees adorn the route. It was a delight to see so many bees buzzing about the blooms, oblivious to the inhospitable concrete juggle nearby.

Sections of rusted track can be spotted throughout the High Line, but they are not always easy to find. This caused our group of park goers to each try to be the first to find a piece of old rail line at every change in garden space. The searches bordered on the obsessive by the end of our walk. Sometimes the old rails were far from the walking path and shaded by lush plants, growing among the rail ties like weeds did in the 1980s.

Near the south terminus of the High Line is a view of an automatic car park that managed to mesmerize a few of us park goers who watched in awe as a unmanned car was lifted by elevator and slid into a snug slot. Much more interesting were the talented street musicians that increased in number as we walked towards the southern end. This is also where a lot of information about the park’s history is posted. Near the south terminus are wooden chaise lounges that rested on old rails outfitted with new wooden ties. The lounge chairs, with a great view of the Hudson River, can easily be smashed together like rail cars to the merriment of children playing .

The High Line’s scale is more manageable than upper Manhattan’s huge Central Park. The two share a quirky characteristic in how the old concrete jungles appear to butt up against the green space of the parks for abrupt visual contrasts.

We got off the High Line on Gansevoort Street and stopped for a late dinner without reservations at a crowded Italian restaurant that turned out to be a chain. There are lots of eateries around but best to plan ahead and make reservations to avoid long waits.

Private Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and High Line Walking Tour

If You Go:

♦ Access to the High Line is possible at Gansevoort Street, 14th Street (elevator access), West 16th Street (elevator access), West 18th Street, West 20th Street, 23rd Street (elevator access), West 26th Street, West 28th Street and West 30th Street (elevator access).
♦ The High Line’s summer schedule has the park open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (with dramatic night lighting of the greenery).
♦ The High Line Information Line is 212-500-6035 or The High Line on the web for more information.

High Line and Chelsea Walking Tour

About the author:
Anna Marie D’Angelo has experience as a successful newspaper reporter and editor in the Vancouver area for 18 years. She now does Communications work and continues her writing passion through travel stories that have been published in major newspapers across Canada and online. Email: anna_dangelo@hotmail.com

All photos are by Anna Marie D’Angelo.