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Path Through History Weekends Begin
Path Through History Weekends begin this weekend June 1 and 2 and will highlight special programming and the importance of heritage tourism to New York State. Fulton County has many historical and heritage attractions to visit throughout the year. The special events taking place in Fulton County this weekend are:
Anniversary Lecture Series: “In the English Manner: Pattern Books and Georgian Building Traditions in the Colonial Mohawk Valley”
June 01, 11:00am
Johnson Hall State Historic Site, 139 Hall Avenue, Johnstown
For more information please contact: (518) 762-8712
Retired Curator of Art and Architecture with the New York State Museum, Ron Burch will examine the use and influence of architectural theses and books of design published in England and readily available to American colonials in the 18th century. Men of stature, including Sir William Johnson, exhibited substantial “pattern book” influence in their mid-18th century houses. (Public tours available after 1pm.)
The Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville Railroad & the Growth of the Fulton County Co. Tanning and Glove Industry
Railroad Display at the Fulton County Museum
June 01, 12:00pm
Fulton County Museum, 237 Kingsboro Ave., Gloversville
For more information please contact: (518) 725-2203
Author/Railroad historian Paul Larner will speak on the necessity of a railroad as early as the 1830’s to transport raw leather to the growing number of skin mills located along the creeks of Johnstown and Gloversville. Finally, in 1867 the Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville (FJ&G) was completed. In 1875 an extension of the railroad was made to the villages of Mayfield and Northville to provide their glove shops with leather. Starting after the American Revolution the cottage industry of tanning and glove making grew due to the abundance of deer skin. This little industry grew making Fulton County “The Glove Capital of the World”. The peak of the prosperity was about 1890. After 1890 the decline of the industry began due to strikes, unions, new laws, tariffs and finally cheaper labor in other countries. Paul grew up in Gloversville in the 1970s and witnessed the decay of the leather industry and the last run of his beloved railroad on November 27, 1984. Larner’s love of the railroad led him to a career with Amtrak. In his book, “Our Railroad”, the History of the Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville Railroad (1867-1893) tells the story of the earlier days of the railroad in Fulton County this little railroad helped to build. After the lecture, Paul will give a tour of the railroad exhibit, which includes models of the many factories and skin mills located in Fulton County. Tours will also be available of the tanning and glove exhibit.
Johnstown Historical Society and Museum: Path Through History Weekend
June 01 and June 2, 1:00-4:00pm
Johnstown Historical Society and Museum, 17 N. William St., Johnstown
For more information please contact: (518) 736-4011
There will be weaving demonstrations on the original looms in the Loom Room of the Drumm House, a unit of Revolutionary War re-enactors, and guided tours available.
For Path Through History events in Fulton County on June 8 and 9 visit www.44lakes.com/calendar.
Lecture Series at Johnson Hall Marks 250th Anniversary
Johnson Hall State Historic Site will host a 5-part lecture series during the 2013 season to mark the 250th anniversary of the construction of the historic Johnson home.
On the first Saturday of each month, lectures that focus on the period surrounding the 1763 building of the home will be held in the first floor hall of the Johnson Hall, beginning at 11am. Refreshments will be available following each lecture in the Stonehouse. Regular public tours will be available after 1:00pm on these days.
On Saturday, June 1st, Ron Burch will present “In the English Manner: Pattern Books and Georgian Building Traditions in the Colonial Mohawk Valley”. Burch will examine the use and influence of architectural theses and books of designs published in England and readily available to American colonials in the 18th century. Men of stature – including Sir William and John Johnson, Nicholas Herkimer and Philip Schuyler – as well as the upwardly mobile middle class, had access to these publications and exhibited substantial “pattern book” influence in their mid-18th century houses.
Burch retired in September 2010 after 27 years as Curator of Art and Architecture at the NYS Museum in Albany. He was also a lecturer in U.S. Architectural History for over 10 years at the University at Albany. He previously served as Registrar at the Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore House in Cooperstown, as well as Director at the Fort Plain Museum. He received Masters degrees in US History from Duke University and in Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program.
Saturday’s lecture is a Path Through History Weekend event.
Additional lectures will include:
Saturday, July 6 – “This Day I agreed with Mr. Samuel Fuller: Building Johnson Hall” presented by Walter Wheeler.
Saturday, August 3 – “Archeaology at Johnson Hall” presented by Lois Feister-Huey.
Saturday, September 7 – “Colonial Johnstown, According to the Daybook of Robert Adems, Sir William Johnson’s Bookkeeper” presented by Gayle Ann Livecchia
Saturday, October 5 – “Georgian Opulence – in the Wilderness, above the Hudson, and on the Seacoast” presented by Judy Anderson
For more information on this and other 250th anniversary special events, contact Johnson Hall at (518) 762 – 8712, visit the Site’s Facebook page, or visit www.nysparks.com.
Tickets Are On Sale for the 19th Annual $10,000 Bet on Fulton County Raffle
The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced that tickets are on sale for its 19th annual fundraiser to help their work in promoting the Fulton County region to visitors. The $10,000 “Bet on Fulton County Raffle” drawing will be held on Friday, August 9, 2013, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Gloversville, 308 N. Comrie Avenue, Johnstown, NY.
Tickets are available for $100 each and only 300 will be sold. Tickets are available at the Chamber office, 2 North Main Street, Gloversville; Partner’s Pub, 21 South William Street, Johnstown; and at the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Gloversville, 308 North Comrie Avenue, Johnstown. The Grand Prize is $10,000, and additional cash prizes will be awarded. Ticket holders are invited to enjoy great entertainment, a picnic style dinner, and cash bar at the event on August 9.
Funds raised from the raffle will be used by the Tourism Department for marketing and advertising Fulton County to prospective visitors throughout the year, and for promoting events that benefit our region.
For more information, call the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce at (518) 725-0641 or e-mail tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org.
The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, with over 1050 members strong, is the leading voice of business in the region providing advocacy, resources, and solutions for its members.
Fourth Annual Peck’s Lake Sprint Triathlon Announced
The Fulton County Tourism Department of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Peck’s Lake Protective Association (PLPA) are presenting the Fourth Annual Peck’s Lake Challenge Sprint Triathlon to be staged at Sunrise Bay on Peck’s Lake in Fulton County, NY on Saturday, August 3. The event is comprised of a ½ mile swim, a 9 mile bike ride, and a 3 mile run.
Peck’s Lake is located within the Towns of Bleecker and Johnstown in Fulton County, NY and inside the Adirondack State Park’s “Blue Line.” The Peck’s Lake Challenge swim course will begin at Sunrise Bay on the north side of the lake. After the swim, triathletes will begin a rolling and challenging bike ride along North Shore Road and proceed to the lake’s South Shore Road and back to Sunrise Bay. After finishing the bike race, athletes will run on North Shore Road and again return to Sunrise Bay for the triathlon finish.
Entry fee is $50 per racer for registration. There will be a staggered start at the swim portion between a competitive group and a participant group. Racers may enter as individuals or as a 2- or 3-person team; entry fees are $40 per each team member. Sport caps will be guaranteed for the first 100 racers who sign up for the triathlon. Awards for the top three winners in each age group category will be presented.
The Peck’s Lake Challenge Sprint Triathlon event is limited to 175 total athletes; annually, the event is sold out two weeks prior. Entry forms can be found on the Chamber’s website, calling the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber at (518) 725-0641, or by sending a request via e-mail to tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Gloversville, which promotes the social, educational, health, leadership, and character development of boys and girls during critical periods of their growth.
Thank you to our sponsors, to-date, Brown’s Ford of Johnstown, Alpin Haus, Wal-Mart DC #6096, and Railside Café. And to the LUNA Chix Albany Triathlon Team for their donation of LUNA bars. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For more information, please call the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber at (518) 725-0641 or e-mail tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org or e-mail pecklaketri@gmail.com.
Adirondack Outdoors Magazine Will Focus on Sporting Opportunities
The Adirondack Park is six million acres of natural wonderland and much of it offers a multitude of ways to enjoy outdoor recreation. Now there is a magazine devoted to outdoor sports in the Adirondacks. Information on how and where to enjoy these sports will be provided by knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled outdoorsmen and writers from all parts of the Adirondacks.
“Adirondack Outdoors” will cover sports including hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, trapping, climbing, boating, and whitewater rafting. Seasonal sports such as skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing will also be featured. There will be articles on hiking and paddling destinations, wildlife, outdoor photography, and issues of interest to outdoor sportsmen.
“Adirondack Outdoors” will be a quarterly publication focusing on the outdoor sports of that season. The initial issue of Spring 2013 will only be available as an online publication at www.adirondackoutdoorsmagazine.com. Subsequent issues will be available both in print and online.
Mike Wade, owner of “Adirondack Outdoors,” and Leo Maloney, editor, have spent much of their lives enjoying outdoor activities in the Adirondacks. They bring this experience and understanding of the region to their new publication. Currently there is no publication that covers the wide range of Adirondack sports or the entire geographic region. Wade and Maloney are looking forward to providing this information to men and women who love the Adirondack outdoors and the enjoyment it can hold.
Be a part of Path Through History Weekends!
Highlight your story by being part of this statewide celebration of New York State’s history. Building on the success of statewide Heritage Weekend events in previous years, Heritage Weekend will join Governor Cuomo’s new Path Through History initiative, and become Path Through History Weekends, June 1-2 and 8-9.
Path Through History Weekends events can include special programs, discounted or free admission, or any event that celebrates national, state or local heritage. Historic sites, museums, architecturally significant buildings, local historians and historical societies, battlefields, historic districts, community groups and any resources that connect directly with New York State heritage are all invited to participate and get involved.
Statewide Path Through History themes:
- Arts & Culture
- Canals & Transportation
- Civil Rights
- Colonial History
- Innovation & Commerce
- Native American
- Natural History
- The Revolution
- Sports History
- U.S. Presidents
- War of 1812
- Women’s Rights
More information about the Path Through History Weekends can be found at: www.paththroughhistoryweekends.com.
Caroga Lake Outhouse Races
Located in the Adirondack State Park, Caroga Lake and the 29A Chain of Lakes is a beautiful spot to visit year round. Winter is no exception and there are exciting unique events happening this year. Following the successful Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day is another Caroga Winter Carnival Weekend. The February 17th event features music, games, and Outhouse Races in front of Sherman’s, 104 East Shore Road. Flush Time is at 11:30am. The distance of the race is 500 yards or less. Cheer on your favorite team at this family fun day! Contact Linda Gilbert at 518-835-4211 x21 for more information.
8th Annual Adirondack Outdoorsman Show
8th Annual Adirondack Outdoorsman Show set for Johnstown
Twin Cities Sports Promotions will be hosting the “The 8th Annual Adirondack Outdoorsman Show” at the Johnstown Moose Club (109 South Comrie Ave/Rte 30A) on Saturday, February 16th (10am-6pm) & Sunday, February 17th (10am-5pm). The show will be geared towards the tastes of Hunters, Fisherman and Outdoors Enthusiasts, with exhibits containing items for sale pertaining to: hunting & fishing gear/supplies, guns, archery, trapping, boating, camping, hiking, snow shoeing, guides & charter services, taxidermy, snowmobiling, collectable knives, antique hunting & fishing gear, wildlife art & books and Adirondack furniture.
In addition, many featured guests, authors and industry experts are scheduled to be on hand throughout the weekend giving seminars and discussing Outdoor & Hunting subjects with attendees. The first featured guest is Adirondack historian and author, Don Williams, who will be on hand signing copies of his newest book: “Adirondack People and Places”. The second featured guest will be the Northern Sasquatch Research Society and Brian Gosselin. Gosselin is the Whitehall NY Police Officer who had a 1976 encounter with a “Sasquatch-Like creature”. They will be sharing pictures & casts taken of the elusive beast(s). The third featured guest will be fishing expert Chuck Booker, holder of 58 “Catch & Release World Records”. He will be on hand showing pictures of his record catches and sharing his tips of “how, when & where” to catch your own records. Our fourth featured guest will be newest Adirondack author Alice Peck. Mrs. Peck will be on hand signing copies of her book “Peck’s Lake in the Adirondacks”, which chronicles the Peck Family’s longtime stewardship of the iconic Adirondack lake.
In conjunction with this year’s show, the “Take Me Fishing & Hunting Raffle” will be taking place with the prizes consisting of Guided Fishing & Hunting Trips with Professional Guides throughout NYS.
Door prizes of gear and equipment will be given away throughout the weekend. Admission to the event is $5 for adults and $1 for children (15 and under). For more information on the event, go to www.adkshow.com or contact Mike Hauser at 518-725-5565; mhauser@frontiernet.net.
Mohawk Valley Region Path Through History Committee Public Meeting
MOHAWK VALLEY REGION PATH THROUGH HISTORY COMMITTEE
TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING ON JANUARY 31, 2013 AT
ARKELL MUSEUM, CANAJOHARIE, NY
The Mohawk Valley Region is composed of Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and Schoharie counties.
What: The Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council’s workgroup for the New York State “Path Through History” initiative will hold a public meeting to obtain input regarding a marketing plan and catalyst project up to $100,000 being developed to encourage tourism, local economic development and to serve as an educational tool.
Who: All members of the public including heritage organizations, individuals, businesses, and labor and education representatives from the Mohawk Valley Region are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Where: Arkell Museum at Canajoharie
2 Erie Blvd.
Canajoharie, NY 13317
Exit 29 on NYS Thruway
When: Thursday, January 31, 2013 – 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Refreshments will be served.
Pre-registration is requested by January 28, 2013 to Helen Martin, martart@nycap.rr.com or 518-762-7638 or 518-705-7587.
Ways to Keep Busy during Break
Happy Holidays! Are your kids home from school, do you have family visiting? Here are some entertaining ideas for you to keep everyone occupied….
Lights On Thompson Street runs through January 1, 6-9pm daily at 19 Thompson Street, Broadalbin. Tune into 88.7 FM to hear the music sync’d with the lights! This show is in memory of Don Edwards who started the show 6 years ago in Northville. Please visit Don’s mosaic page on The American Cancer Society website and learn how to make a donation: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/lights. Enjoy the show!!!
On December 28 at Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center try Snowshoe by the Light of the Moon from 5-9pm. This winter evening is certain to create lasting memories! Enjoy a light dinner and dessert at the cozy Tuulen Tupa Grill followed by a gently paced snowshoe tour. Stop by the lakeside campfire to roast s’ mores! Package includes dinner, dessert, coffee or tea, snowshoe rentals, s’ mores and guided tour. $39.00 ($30.00 if you provide your own snowshoes). Ages 18+, please. Space is limited; reservations are a must! Dinner service begins at 5pm; the guided snowshoe tour begins at 7pm and runs until 8:30/9pm. Please bring headlamps; a limited number are available to loan on a first-come, first-served basis.
On December 29 at Lapland Lake is Finn-tastic Music, Moonlit Skiing, Lakeside Campfire & Dinner Service… Delight in a perfect day of skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and ice-skating. After skiing relax at the Tuulen Tupa Grill and enjoy complimentary live music with the incredible Dan Lynaugh from 3 – 5:30pm. Linger longer for a wonderful Saturday evening meal including Finnish dinner specialties available at additional cost.Reservations are advised and appreciated; dinner is served beginning at 5:00pm with a final seating at 7:00pm. $20 adult $18 youth/senior $10 junior
High Rollers is under new ownership and hosting a New Year’s Eve Skate. Watch the ball drop at High Rollers Fun Center on the huge screen in the roller skating rink! Join in from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. for the most incredible New Year’s Eve celebration! Games! Prizes! Noise Makers! Fantastic music! $15 at the door.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in downtown Johnstown in the park are 9-9:30pm. The Johnstown Area Community Center is sponsoring the fireworks display. This is the Community Center’s way of giving back to the community for all of their support over the years.
On New Year’s Day is the 6th Annual Caroga Polar Plunge at the Caroga Lake Marina. Join in for our annual Polar Plunge. This year many local businesses are sponsoring the event, and it will include tugs of war between neighboring townships. Food and refreshments will be available for sale by local vendors. Come and visit for some fun and laughter on New Year’s Day. Registration for the Plunge available at the Caroga Lake Marina and Vrooman’s. Polar Plunge Specials and T-shirts available at: Pine Lake Stoves, Pine Lake Lodge, Vrooman’s, Maple Tree Knoll, 1 Cook & A Waitress, Outlet, Canada Lake Store, Groom’s, Emporium, Coffee Shop.
Event Schedule:
5:30am-? Polar Plunge Breakfast Special at the Coffee Shop
11:30am Bloody Mary Bar, Wings & More at Vrooman’s
12pm Storytelling and S’ mores at the Emporium
1pm Tug of War at the Caroga Lake Marina ~ Come cheer your favorite team on!
2pm Polar Plunge at the Caroga Lake Marina
For more events and activities explore the 44lakes website!