Saratoga Experience Summer 2010

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E

Table of Contents

The

Saratoga

xperience

6

They’re Off Welcome to The Historic Saratoga Race Course

12

Hope. Magic. Dreams.

‘Cause I’m in a Saratoga “State of Mind”

22

From Kaydeross to Congress: The Story of the Saratoga Springs Carousel

30

Spa City Porch Escapes

38

Fabulous Foliage

42

Saratoga Fashion

48

A Novel Collection Lyrical Ballad Bookstore

56

Susan Farnsworth

66

History Homogenized

76

Get the Most of your Saratoga Experience

84

Golf Directory

86

80 Years Ago A Valley

Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell Art Director Tiffany Garland Writers Melissa Downer, Yael Goldman, Arthur Gonick, Kerry Mendez, Barry Potoker Proofreader Anne Proulx Photographers Mark Bolles, Tom Stock Account Executives Chris Bushee, Cindy Durfey Pre-Press Coordinator Sam Bolles

Saratoga Experience is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper. All information contained within this publication is based on data collected from a variety of sources at the time of publication.

Saratoga TODAY shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher Copyright (c) 2010, Saratoga Publishing, LLC

Cover Main Photo Provided by: NYRA Cover Bottom Right Photos Provided by ©stockstudiosphotography.com

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Saratoga Race Course

2010

WHAT: Saratoga Race Course’s 142nd season.

WHEN: 40 days. Friday, July 23 through Monday, September 6 (Labor Day).

No racing on Tuesdays.

WHERE: Saratoga Race Course, Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. FIRST RACE POST TIME: 1 p.m. On Travers Day, Saturday, August 28, first race post is 11:35 a.m. On Party at the Spa Fridays, July 30 and September 3, first race post time is 2:30 p.m.

ADMISSION: General admission is $3; Clubhouse admission is $5. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Admission gates open at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on weekends. On Travers Day, Saturday, August 28, gates open at 7 a.m. Travers Day admission is $5 general admission; $10 for Clubhouse. Reserved seating is sold separately. On Party at the Spa Fridays, gates open at noon.

PARKING: Trackside parking is $10 and general parking is free. Handicapped parking is available at the Clubhouse and Grandstand entrances. Parking gates open at 7 a.m. on Travers Day, Saturday, August 28. NO BREAKFAST PARKING REFUNDS ON TRAVERS DAY, Saturday, August 28. There is also Oklahoma Preferred Parking for $5 on the corner of East Avenue and Union Avenue (not trackside).

COOLERS: Coolers are permitted at Saratoga Race Course on the trackside apron, Top of the Stretch and the backyard area ONLY. No coolers will be allowed anywhere inside the building. ALL GLASS CONTAINERS ARE PROHIBITED. All coolers and any carry-in items are subject to inspection by NYRA Security.

RESERVED SEATS: A limited number of Grandstand seats are on sale each morning of a race day at the Reserved Seat Sales Office at Union Avenue Gate at 9 a.m. (7 a.m. on Travers Day, Saturday, August 28). Closed Tuesdays.

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There is a limit of four (4) seats per person.

Cash, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted. Clubhouse seats Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, are $10 per seat; on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they are $15 per seat. Grandstand seats are $6 per seat on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; $8 per seat on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Travers Day, Saturday, August 28, clubhouse seats are $25 and grandstand seats are $18. After Opening Day phone orders are accepted until 4:30 p.m. each racing day. No telephone orders are accepted for “Day Of ” or “Sun Seats.” For more information on reserved seats, call 1-800-814-7846.

DINING: NYRA has simplified its restaurant reservation system with the creation of a toll free dining reservations number (888) 516NYRA. Dining options include: the Turf Terrace Dining Room, Club Terrace, At the Rail Pavilion, Carousel Restaurant, and The Porch.

SPECIAL EVENTS: 30th ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, July 18, FREE! 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors get a free sneak-peek into the popular summer meet prior to the start of racing season, with a full day of games, activities, live music, food, pony rides, behind-the-scenes tours, mascot races, handicapping seminars, and non-wagering horse racing.

Proceeds from the day’s events benefit dozens of local non-profit organizations.

OPENING DAY AT SARATOGA: Friday, July 23. It’s now Post Time as the 142nd season of racing at Saratoga commences! Gates open at 11 a.m. and first Post Time is 1 p.m.

HATS OFF TO SARATOGA: Friday, July 23 – Sunday, July 25. This three-day festival includes world-class racing, live music downtown and at the track, and a wide array of headpieces to celebrate the start of the racing season plus the Spa debut of the Betfair TVG Coaching Club American Oaks. Capping the weekend is the annual Hat Contest, with contestants going head-to-head for prizes. For contest information

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GIVEAWAYS Thursday, July 29 –

1

Mid-Summer St. Patrick’s Day Short Sleeve Tee Shirt

2 3 4

Sunday, August 8 – Rachel Alexandra Baseball Cap

Sunday, August 22 – Umbrella

Sunday, September 5 – Long Sleeve Tee Shirt

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call (518) 383-6183 and after July 23, call (518) 584-6200.

COACHING CLUB CELEBRATION: Saturday, July 24. In honor of the 94th running of the Grade 1 Betfair TVG Coaching Club American Oaks, a day-long celebration of coaching is planned, including two antique coaches on display at the racetrack and another coach that will parade down the stretch.

MID-SUMMER ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Thursday, July 29. Come celebrate the luck o’ the Irish as Saratoga celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in July. Local Irish bands will perform supplemented by an array of Irish entertainment, including traditional Irish step dancers. Plus, an Irish-themed short-sleeve tshirt is the season’s first giveaway!

COLLEGE DAY/PARTY AT THE SPA: Friday, July 30. College students vie for their shot to win a $1,000 scholarship after each race. First post time is 2:30 p.m. as college students and racing fans celebrate the first of two “Party at the Spa” Fridays, with live music and food after the races.

FASIG-TIPTON FESTIVAL OF RACING: Saturday, July 31 - Sunday, August 1. The Fasig-Tipton Festival of Racing celebrates the rich history of FasigTipton in Saratoga and the upcoming Select Yearling Sales. The festival will include a number of interactive and educational activities at the track and the beautiful FasigTipton facility.

SARATOGA WINE FESTIVAL: Friday, August 6. Sample some of New York’s finest wines in the backyard to benefit the Times Union Hope Fund and Gift of Life ($25 to participate).

RACHEL ALEXANDRA BASEBALL CAP GIVEAWAY: Sunday, August 8. Visitors can pick up a free Rachel Alexandra baseball cap, with paid admission, while supplies last.

INAUGURAL SARATOGA HANDICAPPING TOURNAMENT: Wednesday, August 11 and Thursday, August 12. Limited to 100 entrants, handicappers will vie for $100,000 in prize money and a chance to be part of the three-person “Team Saratoga” at the Daily Racing Form/National Thoroughbred Racing Association National Handicapping Championship in January in Las Vegas.

Contact Kathleen Locke at klocke@nyrainc.com.

FRIDAY THE 13TH HALLOWEEN: Friday, August 13. Boo! Kids come in costumes and trick-or-treat at some of the track’s famous landmarks as Saratoga Race course celebrates Friday the 13th.

HORSE RETIREMENT AWARENESS DAY: Wednesday, August 18. A day dedicated to the horses in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the care of retired thoroughbreds. Various equine rescue organizations will be on track to distribute information and collect donations. ESPN Racing Analyst Jeannine Edwards and her dressage horse Ashkal Way, 2006 Bernard Baruch winner and Saratoga veteran, will perform a dressage routine on track.

FABULOUS FILLIES DAY: Friday, August 20. Saratoga Race Course takes on a pink hue in a fund raising effort for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In the backyard, learn more about women’s issues, fashion and health with interactive displays and exhibits.

15TH ANNUAL TRAVERS FESTIVAL: Saturday, August 21 Sunday, August 29. The Travers Festival celebrates the 141st running of the $1 million Travers Stakes! Visitors can enjoy nine days of special events, kicking off with the Betfair TVG Alabama Stakes for the nation’s top 3year-old fillies on Saturday, August 21. For more information on the Travers Festival, pick up a brochure at Saratoga Race Course, call 1-800-526-8970, or log onto www.saratoga.org.

SARATOGA UMBRELLA GIVEAWAY: Sunday, August 22. Visitors can pick up a FREE Saratoga umbrella, with paid admission, while supplies last.

STEWART’S SHOPS ICE CREAM EATING CONTEST: Wednesday, August 25. Participants see how much ice cream they can devour without succumbing to brain freeze! Contestants are divided into three age groups – kids, teens and adults. The winners receive gift certificates for free Stewart’s Shops ice cream.

FEAST OF SAN GENNARO: Thursday, August 26. Indulge in some Italian favorites and listen to the classic tunes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett as a taste of Italy comes to Saratoga Race Course.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BATTLE

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2010 CALENDAR

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OF THE BREWS: Friday, August 27. Visitors 21 and older get the chance to taste a variety of brews and vote on their favorites. Proceeds ($25 to participate) benefit the Adirondack-Saratoga chapter of the Red Cross. THE TRAVERS STAKES: Saturday, August 28. It’s Saratoga’s biggest race: the 141st running of the $1 million Travers, the “MidSummer Derby” for 3-year-olds at a mile and a quarter. First post-time is 11:35 a.m. and gates open at 7 a.m. The Travers Day undercard will include the Grade 1 King’s Bishop, the Grade 1 Ballerina, the Grade 2 Ballston Spa and the Grade 3 Victory Ride.

VETERANS DAY: Thursday, September 2. Celebrate America’s heritage and show off your patriotic spirit as Saratoga Race Course honors veterans and active military with FREE grandstand admission, with proper identification.

PARTY AT THE SPA: Friday, September 3. Post time is 2:30 p.m. as closing weekend gets underway with the final Party at the Spa. Stay after the races for live music and great food!

FINAL STRETCH FESTIVAL: Saturday, September 4 – Monday, September 6. The three-day festival marks the culmination of the Saratoga racing season with live music downtown and at the track, a family fun fest, and Labor Day BBQ to mark the final day of the 40-day meet.

LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY: Sunday, September 5.

Visitors can pick up a FREE Saratoga long sleeve t-shirt, with paid admission, while supplies last.

FAMILY FUN FEST/LABOR DAY BBQ: Sunday, September 5 Monday, September 6. Families can enjoy an afternoon of kid-friendly activities in the backyard, which benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region. Visitors also bid goodbye to another season with a traditional BBQ both days. The specially priced family BBQ includes Clubhouse admission, official track program, BBQ lunch and tax. To order, call Group Sales at 1-888-516-NYRA. .

ATTIRE: Box Seats: Gentlemen – suits or sports jackets required.

Ties not required. Ladies – dresses, skirts or slack outfits. No jeans, shorts, or abbreviated wear permitted. Clubhouse: No short shorts, cutoffs, or abbreviated wear permitted. No tank tops. Proper attire at management’s discretion. Grandstand: Shoes and shirts are required at all times.

BREAKFAST AT SARATOGA: A longstanding tradition is to watch the morning workouts at Saratoga. A buffet breakfast is served every racing day from 7 - 9:30 a.m. Admission to the breakfast is free, except on Travers Day, Saturday, August 28, and vehicles leaving the grounds before 10 a.m. get a parking refund. Morning visitors may also take a free walking tour of the Backstretch Area and watch the Paddock Show and Starting Gate Demonstration. There are no tours on Travers Day, or Closing Day, Labor Day, Monday, September 6. The buffet is priced at $14.95 per person, $7.95 for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Race fans who wish to attend the afternoon’s races are charged admission upon re-entering the track. For more information, call Customer Service at (718) 641-4700; from July 23 – September 6, call (518) 584-6200.

JOCKEY AUTOGRAPH BOOKS: On Mondays, except for Labor Day, a copy of the 2010 Jockey Autograph book will be given away free with each paid admission, while supplies last. Sponsored by Price Chopper, the full-color booklet offers fans the chance to collect the signatures of their favorite riders on their own special pages.

PREMIUM GIVEAWAYS: All giveaways are free with each paid admission, while supplies last.

Saratoga Short Sleeve T-Shirt Thursday, July 29 Rachel Alexandra Baseball Cap Sunday, August 8

Saratoga Umbrella Sunday, August 22 Saratoga Long Sleeve T-Shirt Sunday, September 5 NOTE: Saratoga will again offer “spinner-free” service – a dedicated turnstile at the East Avenue admission gate specifically designed for patrons who wish to avoid the potentially lengthy lines on giveaway days. No coupons will be issued in this express lane, which will be reserved for fans seeking expedited admission to the grandstand.

TRACK FACTS: MAIN TRACK: 1 1/8-mile oval with seven-furlong chute; 4 percent banking on the turns; distance from final turn to the finish line is 1,144 feet.

TURF COURSES: The Mellon (Outer) Turf Course is a one-mile (plus 98 feet) oval; 4 percent banking on the turns; distance from final turn to the finish line is 1,144 feet; The Inner Turf Course is a seven-furlong (plus 304 feet) oval; 4 percent banking on the turns; distance from final turn to finish is 1,164 feet.

OKLAHOMA TRAINING TRACK: One-mile oval with a quartermile chute; 2 percent banking on the turns; distance from final turn to the finish line is 990 feet.

OKLAHOMA TURF COURSE: Seven-furlong oval; 2 percent banking on the turns; distance from final turn to the finish line is 1,024 feet.

OKLAHOMA STEEPLECHASE COURSE: Six-furlong oval, five fences.

CLARE COURT TRAINING TRACK: Half-mile oval; 1.5 percent banking on the turns.

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Hope.

Magic.

Dreams…

‘Cause I’m in a Saratoga “State of Mind.”

Photos by ©stockstudiosphotography.com Story by Barry Potoker

It’s Derby Day, everyday, for 36 days at the Spa and now 40 days starting this year. From the electric atmosphere of opening day to the bittersweet energy of getaway week, The Sport of Kings at Saratoga is as good as it gets. The crisp, misty morning workouts…the clean, sweet aroma of the summer dew…and the unforgettable sound of thundering hooves; It’s a trifecta for the senses.

Being a native Saratogian, growing up on the East Side near what we called the “flat track,” I was “bred” to love, admire and respect the horses. From a Saratoga kid’s perspective, it was like having a

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Photo by Adam Coglianese

“They’re off” traveling Disneyland in your hometown. I can still hear Fred Caposella’s wonderfully distinctive voice bellowing; “They’re off” from my backyard during the fabled meet. On those dog days of summer, our family rented the house for the four week racing season (only 24 race days back then) and stayed at a camp on the lake. Most days, my Mom and I would go home and clean for the DuPonts (our renters) and pluck fresh tomatoes from our garden in the afternoon while they were at the track. That’s when I’d

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hear the legendary call of the races. What a magnificent sound, which still gives me goose bumps to this day.

In the late sixties and early seventies, my cronies and I, (we all became seasoned handicappers in our teens) would eagerly gather each night around 10 p.m. at Richie’s Deli on Lake Avenue waiting for the Morning Telegraph (now the Racing Form). Invariably, we complained that the damn truck was late again, but it was all part of the ritual. We bragged about the day’s winners, lamented over the losers, debated the feature race, and of course, speculated about the “would-have-beens.” It was all part of the experience.

Once the truck arrived with the precious cargo - the Teles-we’d pay our buck and scurry home to do our

studying. It was the sort of homework we actually liked. The anticipation and hope of what tomorrow might bring was exhilarating.

Back in the day, wagering was so pure. The goal was to pick winners. There were no supers, triples, pick three’s, four’s or six’s, not even exactas or quinellas to confuse our brains-in-training. All bets were $2, so with only $10 or $20 in our pockets, we bet to win. Maybe it’s somewhat of a lost art these days. There was only one exotic bet; the daily double and the only double, race 1 and 2. Picking that right was tough enough, but nonetheless a challenge and a true test of one’s handicapping prowess. It was important to be up at the track on time to make that double wager. Years later when exactas were introduced in races 3, 5 & 7, our mindsets

adjusted for saving an extra few bucks for those new and crazy bets.

Post time was 2 p.m. then, so we crawled under or climbed over the fence on Union Avenue, depending on how we felt that day, dashed to get our handy pocket program (the only style available then) and went straight to our self-assigned spot. That was home base. It was our “sacred spot,” by the big wooden steps on the second floor where the clubhouse meets the grandstand, it still stirs me today. It’s located about mid-stretch where Cappy would say, “coming through the stretch…” at the point in the race where our breath was taken away with our hearts pounding as the horses raced to the finish line. That’s where the boys hung out.

“Who do you like in the big race?” was the typ-

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It was all part of the experience.

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ical chatter as we all settled in just before the ponies broke for the first race. Today it’s, “who are your top three and in what combination are you using them?” Between races, we journeyed back down to the jockeys’ room and over to sneak a peek at the horses up close as they were saddled under the elms. What a grand sight. Once we heard “riders up,” it was off to the two dollar windows to bet, then back upstairs for the post parade. It was our routine, and we got lots of exercise in August. Then came the roar as the gate sprung open. Oh, what fun we had! The magic of the day was upon us and we soaked it all up.

Throughout the 40 plus years of exploring the hallowed grounds of the Spa, I’ve had the privilege of seeing so many spectacular races and countless champions. I am in awe of how they effortlessly glide over the spa courses and how these majestic creatures dig in gamely with such determination and heart. It was the ultimate setting for the likes of the great Secretariat, Kelso, Arts & Letters, Buckpasser, Forego, Dr. Fager, Affirmed & Alydar (they go together!), Go For Wand, Ruffian, Fourstardave, Cigar, Easy Goer, just to name a few. Although Saratoga is known as the ‘Graveyard of Champions,’ I’d like to imagine that these tremendous athletes enjoyed it here in the country so much and became so relaxed, they viewed it as welldeserved vacation time - so why work so hard? Just good horse sense. Along with our equine favorites, who can forget classic jockeys like Baeza, Pincay, Day, Vasquez, Ycaza, Woodhouse, Cordero and the Shoe. There are too many to note, but all heroes of sorts

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now etched in my childhood memories.

Another simple joy for me is the local sweet corn and mouth watering Hand melons which ripen precisely around the Saratoga meet. It’s become part of the fabric of a Saratoga summer and the racing season. What an extra special treat, after a thrilling day at the races, win or lose. And if you’re lucky enough to be a winner, they tasted that much sweeter. Wish I had some of those big juicy August tomatoes from my backyard right now…

Saratoga Springs is an extraordinary place to grow up. It is exciting and is the August place to be (now late July and early September as well). The rich tradition, charm and spirit of this historic race track on beautiful Union Avenue is indeed a jewel for the ages. I learned at a very young age to respect this remarkable theater. Saratoga Race Course dates back to 1863, and it still drips with the aura of a bygone era, from the glorious grandstand and

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Story Continued from pg 18 clubhouse to the peaceful infield lake with quaint gazebos; it can set you back a century in the blink of an eye. Time stands still for a moment. Our grand old oval is awakening from its slumber now and the curtain will rise on another marvelous chapter in this long-running event. As this 142nd season unfolds, I will once again head up and visit that “sacred spot” to pay homage to the past. I can only hope and believe that the Saratoga ‘state of mind’ will remain untouched for many more years to come.

Let the dreams begin….

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Kaydeross to Congress: The Story of the Saratoga Springs Carousel Photos by ©stockstudiosphotography.com and Provided by The Saratoga Springs History Museum Story by Melissa Downer Saratoga Springs’ history lives on every street corner through town. From City Hall dating back to 1871 to the Adelphi Hotel constructed in 1877, one can’t escape the times gone by with each step.

Unfortunately, some of Saratoga’s favorite places such as the Grand Union Hotel and Kaydeross Park are no longer in existence; however, pieces have stayed behind to keep history alive and foster new memories in the making. Dating back to 1902, the Congress Park Carousel is one of the most vibrant pieces of art in the city and still lives on in its greatness more than 100 years later.

The carousel was hand-made in 1902 by Brooklyn-based master carver Marcus Charles Illions, a native of Lithuania.

Illions was one of the most innovative and creative carvers of his time and produced 28 intricately-designed horses, donned in bright colors, jewels, tassels and real horsehair tails. For models, he used the Arabian steed, mustang and quarter horse. Each of them are unique and glide around the merry-go-round in different poses from standing to prancing and jumping. The carousel also has two chariot benches, a wooden deck floor and brass poles (along with the unseen mechanics) that continue to dazzle riders today as it did when it debuted in Luna Park in Rexford, NY in 1910. Today, the carousel is the last doublerow carousel made by Illions that remains intact.

While most adults remember this magnificent merry-goround from their childhood days at Kaydeross Park, the massive piece of artwork has traveled across the area over time.

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Once the carousel was sold by Luna Park in 1912, a man from Troy bought it and placed it in Forrest Park on Ballston Lake until 1930. It was then purchased by a Mr. Goldfoot and entertained children at the Route 9 Roadside Amusement Park until 1940, when Mr. Elmer Walker rented the carousel for his amusement park, Kaydeross Park. The park was a steadily-growing amusement park when the carousel was added.

Walker and his wife Edith bought the Kaydeross Park property in 1927 for $30,000 from the Hudson Valley Railway Company with the intention of opening a recreation area for families to spend their summer.

It was home to a

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beach and bathhouse, a dancing pavilion, carnival rides and a restaurant under the Walkers ownership until they sold the park to Robert D’Andrea and William Wrobel in 1957 for $110,000.

When ownership changed, so did the park.

D’Andrea and Wrobel made additions to the park and expanded it by filling in a swamp area to make the park an astonishing 26 acres. They added another restaurant, a pool, a night-club style dance hall, more carnival rides such as bumper cars and boats, softball fields and picnic spaces that could cater a party up to 3,500 people.

For many years, D’Andrea and Wrobel operated the park, giving families a fun-filled summer to look forward to and first jobs to many area children.

In May 1978, news broke that D’Andrea and Wrobel planned to sell the park. D’Andrea, an assemblyman, wanted to focus on his political career, and Wrobel was concerned with insurance liabilities that the park held.

“A lot of people don’t understand our point of view.

We’d rather sell it to somebody as an amusement park; but one serious accident and the owners could lose everything,” D’Andrea is recorded as saying.

After no buyers came forward to keep the property as an amusement park, the owners sold it to developers who built The Vista on Saratoga Lake, a housing development. Most of the items from the park including arcade games, kitchen equipment, benches and carnival rides, were auctioned off to the public.

The beloved carousel was also slated to be auctioned off, horse by horse, to the highest bidder on Sept. 26 and 27, 1987 by Guernsey’s. News of this upcoming auction sparked so much public opposition that residents started the Save the Carousel Committee, raising more than $120,000 in a matter of weeks in hopes that the City Council would purchase the carousel as a whole.

On the day of the auction, with $150,000 in hand from the committee and the rest of the funds raised by the city council and private donations by Marylou Whitney and Charlie Wood, the city council, specifically Commissioner of Public Works Thomas McTygue, negotiated with the auctioneer to purchase the carousel before one horse made it to the podium The Committee was a success.

But what to do with the carousel? The 28-horse merry-go-round would sit in limbo for 15 years before

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it could call a place “home.”

In 2000, a decision was finally made. The carousel First of all, according to appraisers, the carousel was would be placed in Congress Park. The ponies who “not in good shape.” It had been exposed to rain, snow sat in a public works shed, waiting to be debuted, and moisture from Saratoga Lake for many years and it only had a short wait left before they could provide was looking rather ragged. The carousel and all of its entertainment to countless children again as they had parts needed to be refurbished before it in the past. could be displayed and used by the public.

With just the pavilion left to build, the long Between 1987 and 1991, Bill Finkenstein, road was coming to an end. On June 29, Carousel principal restorer, and various other artists 2002, the $245,000 project was unveiled to Schedule: the public in a grand opening celebration. worked on the carousel, bringing it back to Tues. - Sun. its original beauty in which Illions intended The refurbished carousel opened in the beau11am - Dusk so many years ago. tiful enclosed pavilion in Congress Park with (Through Sept.

6, Also during this time, the City Council all 28 of the horses restored to their original 2010) and residents were trying to figure out just grandeur. Modern features were incorporatwhere this artifact should be placed. In a ed, including a computer-controlled operathorse and history-themed town, McTygue ing system that replaced the original belt-drivfelt Congress Park would be the best place for the ride. en mechanics of Illions’ time. The new sound system Many agreed with him, but some were passionately provided calliope music to set the carnival scene for against the idea. One of the most vocal opponents, riders of the carousel. The upkeep is taken care of by Beatrice Sweeney, went on record many times to voice the Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works. her displeasure.

Today, the carousel opens each year from the “Open space in the park will disappear, blacktop and beginning of May through Columbus Day for families popcorn stands will proliferate, the traffic and parking in to enjoy the nostalgia of riding the merry-go-round the Spring Street area will go from bad to chaotic; there just like the days of old at Kaydeross Park. is no concrete evidence businesses will profit from the location. There is no historic precedent,” she said in more than one letter to the editor.

Other sites were also suggested, such as High Rock Park, the space behind the Saratoga City Center and what looked like would be the final decision, the Saratoga Race Course. This also received harsh criticism.

According to Reverend Robert Munyon, “I guess I feel to get the best use of the carousel is to put it in a place that will not be offensive to the values of the family.”

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Porch Scapes for Porch Escapes Photos by ©stockstudiosphotography.com Story by Field Horne

There are few better places to enjoy the American front porch than Saratoga Springs. Our love for porches goes back a long way, almost to the beginning of our city.

When Gideon Putnam, entrepreneur and promoter of the mineral springs, built his Union Hall hotel in 1802, he bestowed upon it a three-story porch supported by posts.

Its original purpose was inextricably tied to the mineral waters. There was one effect that could be proven: certain waters relieved “costiveness,” the condition for which our doctors prescribe fiber.

So, at dawn, gentlemen and ladies in simple clothing made their ways to the springs, drank

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There are few better places to enjoy the American front porch than Saratoga Springs.

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tumbler after tumbler, and then returned to the hotel porch to walk – we might even say march – back and forth until the exercise produced the beneficial effect.

Many hotels built both front and back porches. As Saratoga matured, more people came here for the fashionableness of it, for the entertainment, the social opportunities, the chance to meet a suitable wife or husband.

The front porches evolved into a place for ladies, while the men used the back porches “to lounge and smoke in.” Yet as late as 1850 Ellen Bond of Cincinnati

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remarked on “promenading on the porches and through the grounds---this seems to be the only variety here.�

Meanwhile, social and artistic currents were creating the domestic porch.

This new thing (for there were few before the 1850s) was a transition between the public street and the private home and between nature and domesticity. Andrew Jackson Downing of Newburgh is often credited with popularizing the domestic porch in his books on country houses. But technology, too, contributed: balloon-frame

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construction was coming into use, making it cheaper and easier to build a porch, along with machinemade trim that helped decorate them.

By 1870, when the literary lion Henry James visited us, the Grand Union Hotel porch was reputed to be the largest in the world, while all across Saratoga Springs houses great and small all had their porches. The object was the same: guests or residents treasured porches so they could enjoy the open air while protected from the rain or the heat of the sun.

So what happened to our porches? New houses, built after World War II when construction resumed after a long gap, rarely had porches. The automobile made the street less appealing to face, the television drew families inside, and air conditioning took care of the comfort issue.

But around the Bicentennial, here in Saratoga Springs as elsewhere, Americans rediscovered their porches, and with them the cultural ideals of family, community, and nature that they had fostered in the nineteenth century. In our modern world, who does not love a porch?

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PerennialResource.com

PerennialResource.com

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Fabulous

Foliage

By Kerry Ann Mendez, Perennially Yours www.pyours.com

Admit it or not, leaves are the backbone of your perennial garden. They play an invaluable and usually thankless role. When interviewed by a national gardening magazine about how I create colorful three season gardens, I gave foliage much of the credit.

Great leaves complement flowers and bring out their best. Leaves can also hide eyesores and carry interest when blooms are minimal. When designing gardens, I rely on at least one out of three perennials to contribute striking leaves.

A leaf’s color, shape, size and texture all play into the game as well as the plant’s overall form (upright, prostrate, mounded, arching or spiky). Here are some tips for getting the most out of foliage: Be careful when using darkleafed plants such as chocolate or purple-black. Too much can produce a somber feeling. But a dash here and there can create a real statement, like a simple black dress.

Chartreuse plants really ‘pop’ next to these.

You can create an enchanting effect when placing tall delicate flowers or grassy foliage, such as Baby’s Breath, Crambe or Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’ behind dark-

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“

...leaves are the backbone of your perennial garden.

“ er, thicker leafed plants like Sedums or Hosta.

Arching or weeping branches provide a serene feeling. Working some of these through a bed, along a walk or at the top of a wall adds a soothing touch to the garden.

Bold, spiky foliage can have a very dramatic effect, provide ‘shock value’ and work as super ‘exclamation marks’ or focal points. Just picture a large Yucca in the landscape.

Be careful when combining variegated plants. Too many can cause a ‘dizzying effect; When placing different variegated plants together try to combine plants with ‘reverse’ variegation next to each other.

For example, a gold margined plant with a green center next to a green margined plant with a gold center. Also tuck in some solid leaved plants that repeat one of the variegated colors. You can put plants with the same variegated pattern next to each other but change the size or form of the plants.

Use foliage color to unify a garden and to build continuity in your landscape. For example, use gold foliaged plants periodically down the length of a garden – some at the front, some mid-border, others in the back – to carry the eye along. Repeat some of these plants in other gardens to unify the landscape.

Cover-up or disguise eyesores in your landscape or

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your neighbor’s by siting large perennials, grasses, shrubs, trees or climbing plants appropriately. Plants should be evergreen to achieve their mission yearround.

Foliage can be a peacemaker, a ‘soothing respite’ between flowers with strong, clashing colors. Silver and darker colored foliage plants do this especially well.

Foliage plants can make a sensational backdrop for flowers. Picture dark, purple-leaved Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria) or ‘Black Lace’ Sambucus (Elderberry) with pink and white flowers in front. Or how about glowing yellow weigela ‘Rubidor’ or golden conifers (Chamaecyparis p.f. ‘Mops’) framing rich blue or purple flowers?

Add statuary, rocks, water features and other fixtures to add contrast to foliage in the landscape.

Visualize feathery leaves against a rock; soft, hairy foliage falling over a glistening glass globe and sharp, blue-needled branches rubbing against a moss-covered, weathered statue. Take pictures of your garden with black and white film. This can be an eye-opening exercise to see how interesting foliage shapes, textures and forms are without the benefit of color.

Now that we’ve covered some design basics, let’s look at some specific plants that strut their leaves with flair. And a bonus – all are deer resistant.

Jacob s Ladder (Polemonium Stairway to Heaven ) 1 - 2 tall. Sun to Part Shade. Spring bloomer. Lavender flowers. ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is the most reliable variegated Jacob’s Ladder I’ve grown. It has green, white and pink flushed leaves and grows to 2’ in flower. Other striking cultivars include ‘Touch of Class’ and ‘Snow and Sapphires’ that both have white and green leaves. After blooming, shear off spent flowers to create an impressive ferny mound. Steer clear of ‘Brise D’Anjou;’ it tends to wimp out (read between the lines) over the years.

Zone 3 Sea Holly (Eryngium) 6 - 8 tall. Sun. Summer bloomer. Violet-blue flowers. ‘Jade Frost’ is the first variegated Sea Holly with showy pink, white and green leaves. It is a narrow growing plant, shooting

its flower stalks straight up. As with all Sea Hollies, it thrives on neglect, poor soil and in hot, sunny spots.

Zone 5 Coral Bell (Heuchera) 9 - 12 tall. Sun to Shade.

Summer bloomer. Most have creamy white flowers.

‘Green Spice’ is a showy coral bell that thrives in sun or shade. ‘Green Spice’ has large green, silver and red leaves. ‘Tiramisu’ and ‘Miracle’ are like chameleons.

In cooler weather (spring and fall) they have pinkishred and chartreuse leaves but in summer they change to a chartreuse and silvery wardrobe. Interesting.

‘Caramel,’ ‘Peach Flambe,’ ‘Marmalade’ and ‘Georgia Peach’ all have orangey-chartreuse leaves that shimmer. Purple-leafed partners include ‘Plum Pudding,’ ‘Hollywood’ (bright red flowers) and ‘Midnight Rose’ (purple-black leaved with bright pink splashes).

Zone 4 Athyrium niponicum (Japanese Painted Fern) 8 22 tall. Part Shade to Shade. Foliage plant. Japanese Painted Ferns are the lush ‘painted ladies’ of the shade garden. The silver, burgundy-red, and green fronds make all ‘bed partners’ look good. ‘Silver Falls,’ ‘Ursula’s Red,’ ‘Regal Red’ and ‘Burgundy Lace’ have richer coloring than ‘Pictum.’ These ferns look especially lovely near heavier substance perennials like Hosta, Ligularia and Rodger’s Flower. Zone 3 Rodger s Flower (Rodgersia) 30 — 5 tall. Part Sun to Shade. Early summer bloomer. Creamy white and pink flowers. These are cool, tropical-looking plants. They have large, heavily textured, ‘five-fingered’ palmate leaves (leaves from a central axle) that are green or bronze. The flowers look like giant Astilbe plumes. R. aesculifolia has greenish-bronzy leaves and ivory flowers with a soft pink blush. The leaves of ‘Chocolate Wings’ start out chocolate and change to bronze.

‘Elegans’ and ‘Die Shone’ have pink flowers. ‘Rotaub’ has large, bronzy-red palmate leaves and sensational, soft pink flowers that reach to 5’. All Rodger’s Flowers need moisture-retentive, nutrient rich soil to thrive.

Zone 4 or 5 based on cultivar.

I could keep writing but now I have an awful craving to plant shop at one of the great garden centers listed on my web site, www.pyours.com. See you next to some flashy leaves….

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Saratoga Fashion

unk r T a g arato S t a ble Availa 42 | Saratoga Experience Summer 2010

le at b a l i a Av n Spoke e Botiqu Photos by Mark Bolles Story by Eliza DeRocker Saratoga's most fashionable season has officially arrived. It's time to start revamping your wardrobe, weeding things out of your closet that you didn't wear last summer, which may result and involve sneaking out of work to go shopping along Broadway to find staple pieces for your wardrobe.

A staple piece is something that you can wear all summer and for summers to come. So your best bet is to flaunt some fun fancy floral frocks in all shapes and lengths, as all floral prints are high on the trend o meter this summer. Black is out, so push it to the back of your closet and save it for next season. Shop for fabulous hats that stand out with your wardrobe, and don't be afraid to be seen in a pair of oversized shades that screams Miss Money Maker at the track.

As for your toes, flats are in, so don't kill yourself walking around in high heels, and Stella’s carries a line of shoes from Vince Camuto (co founder of Nine West), which is the shoe designer to watch

le at b a l i a Av bella a k c o R Saratoga Experience Summer 2010 | 43

at e l b a l i Ava ets Viol ble at a l i a v A lle s Danie

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at e l b a l i Ava st 80 We this year as his gem studded line is hotter than ever.

A Lilly Pulitzer dress is perfect for the Polo matches and every women should own one, which you can find at The Pink Paddock Boutique on Broadway.

Great accessories, clothing and jewelry is found at Saratoga's newest fashion stop, Spoken Boutique. Stop in and browse the variety of unique clothing for fabulous women of all ages.

As for hats, every trackanista fashionista should own at least one Kokin hat which you can find at Saratoga Trunk and while you are there, be sure to check out the Theia gowns all the celebrities are wearing.

Need help finding an ensemble for a black tie affair or for an unconventional backyard wedding? Violet s of Saratoga houses looks for every occasion, from weekend casual and special events to every day ensembles.

le at b a l i a Av s Stella

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ble at a l i a v A s line e h t o l C 46 | Saratoga Experience Summer 2010

at e l b a l i Ava bella Rocka Going out for cocktails? Grab an affordable strapless dress from Rockabella’s and head over to Hattie's for a fashionable mojito while you groove to songs from Madonna.

Ready to unwind by the pool or hit the beach? Head on over to Clothes Line for the latest in casual sportswear, swimwear, cover ups and bras.

And...No matter what your size, you can find a flattering trendy style at Danielle’s - from formal evening gowns to flirty cocktail dresses - try them on for size.

Most of the fashions this summer are bright, colorful, and all looks go from Lady Gaga neon big shouldered dresses to Hippy Florals, so no matter what your style is, it's all in style these days, so step out in your own style, enjoy the summer and remember to always stay cool and fashionable along the streets of Broadway to the grounds at the track !

Available at Danielle s

Available at Pink Paddock

at e l b a l i Ava ddock a Pink P

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Photos by Mark Bolles Story by Yael Goldman John and Jan DeMarco know their bookstore is something quite unique.

An unassuming tourist attraction in Saratoga Springs, Lyrical Ballad Bookstore is far from a hidden treasure: avid readers, rare book collectors, authors and tourists from places far and wide come to browse the rows and rows of colorful, previously handled bindings.

The store houses an immense collection of literature and reference – 100,000 books both rare and common; texts covering myriad myriads1 of genres and specialties to satisfy almost any literary craving. Inside the small Phila Street 1

In a sentence, myriad is used as either an adjective or a noun. Originally borrowed from the ancient Greek word for “ten thousand,” myriad was adopted into the English language in the 16th Century as noun meaning countless or innumerable. But in the 19th Century, poets began using the word as in adjective. In his poem “Hymn to the Earth,” Samuel Taylor Coleridge gives double-credit to the word: “and forthwith Myriad myriads of lives teem'd forth from the mighty embracement” (Coleridge line 27 – 28).

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Lyrical Ballad Bookstore celebrates the art of the book beyond content.

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storefront, every square inch is covered, every surface stacked high and a maze-like display is meant to inspire curiosity and stimulate the imagination. Here, customers will become thinkers, moving from shelf to shelf with newfound interest and fancy.

Maybe it’s the scene, or perhaps the feeling one gets when handling objects of tradition that stirs such excitement. Either way it’s unique; unlike the experience of perusing the clean, rigid aisles of new books in “bigbox” stores. And that’s what the DeMarco’s intend.

The store is named for John’s literary preference: the English Romantics who revolutionized poetry, turning the ways of description into an art of illustration.

“Lyrical Ballads” is actually the title of a famous and important work: a collection of poems written and brought together by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge in the late 1700s, said to have started Romanticism.

The title is singular, unlike the formative collection, because Lyrical Ballad Bookstore is itself an anthology of sorts. Binding countless far-reaching genres and discourses to engage both the amateur and the expert, the experience of walking through Lyrical Ballad is meant to mimic that of reading Romantic poetry.

Books have always been objects of value to John; after all it was an early love for fiction that brought him to where he is today.

John opened the store in 1971, after graduating from SUNY Albany with a degree in English Literature and at the beginning of his obsession with rare books. Between graduate and post-graduate study, he began attending local estate auctions scaling book barns, and buying all the antique texts he could find.

“People just knew me as the ‘book guy,’” he said. “They started contacting me directly, and that’s how it started.”

The DeMarco’s small Saratoga Springs apartment quickly began overflowing, and John thought “I have all of these books – huge amounts of them – and I don’t know if I can make a living off of them, but I have them.”

So, when a small tack shop on Phila Street closed, John headed straight for the bank.

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“We didn’t have any money, so I just took a shot,” he said.

At the time, the DeMarco’s spent $75 a month for the quaint and undecorated space. Initially, there was only a hand-written sign to crown Lyrical Ballad a Bookstore; they didn’t have a phone or proper shelving, and fiction was all they had to offer.

“I wanted the store be the kind of a place where you have to use your imagination, so the original goal was to become a literary workshop,” John said.

But the store soon evolved, and John realized that literature alone couldn’t pay the rent.

“We’re in Saratoga Springs so it wasn’t hard to figure out what sells,” he said.

John began a horse book section, which now has probably the best inventory of thoroughbred racing books in the country, or close to. He also set up a section devoted to ballet, to compliment the New York City Ballet’s strong summer presence in Saratoga, and a fine arts section as well.

“Not everyone was walking in looking for William Blake or Coleridge, unfortunately. Actually, most people walk in and think we sell songs or music – which we

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do, we have a large music section,” he said.

As you can imagine, the original 400 square-foot library quickly filled up, and John’s store outgrew itself. Tearing down walls and breaking through to the neighboring Arcade Building, Lyrical Ballad evolved into the incredible marketplace it is today.

The current collection exceeds the store, spilling into a large warehouse containing over 50,000 works, plus an addition three climate-controlled storage areas. It seems John hasn’t even begun slowing down.

The store celebrates the art of the book beyond content.

According to John, the object and its form have a certain beauty all their own.

“When someone illustrates a book and matches it with a text you get this great combination. You can read William Blake online, but to hold it is an entirely different experience,” he said.

Yet, the art of appreciating books as art appears to be losing popularity and, although unsure whether it’s a sign of the economy or of the times, the DeMarco’s have seen less traffic and perhaps a decreased interest in collecting used books.

“We’re seeing changes now because of the Kindle and all these kind of things that allow you to pull up text

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immediately. That’s fine if you just want the information, but if you want something to hold and look at, if you want to create a library, you need the object: you just need the book,” he said.

The screen-displayed text shrivels in comparison to the real thing, and John knows from experience; he’s had the privilege of handling some incredibly valuable, highly sought-after literary artifacts.

In 1983, just as he was finishing a three-year quest to read everything Herman Melville had ever written, John was informed about a shocking and unusual discovery.

An original draft 30-page manuscript of Melville’s first novel, Typee, along with 500 family letters were found in an old trunk in Gansevoort and John was called upon to handle its sale. The classic American author was notorious for burning all of his manuscripts, making the discovery somewhat of an anomaly – and John could not have been anymore thrilled.

“That’s the kind of thing you dream about in this business, but there it was right in our own backyard. That’s as good as it gets,” he said. “It was serendipity.”

Other exciting finds and sales include a copy of Lewis and Clark’s travels and a signed, first edition presentation

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copy of a Mark Twain novel, which brings a boyish grin to John’s face at the slightest mention. And the oldest book he’s ever come across was from 1480, which was the very beginning of book printing.

Texts are ascribed value somewhat objectively; it’s essentially based on who wrote them, printing edition, condition of the book, how many of the same exact version are available, and so on. But worth defined in this fashion is only relevant to a book collector, one who can either afford it or dreams of some day being able to.

Otherwise, true value is subjective: it rests on content, personal interest, and the experience of reading a book that can be held, placed on a shelf or passed along to someone else.

“You can walk in here and stumble on something that’s really rare, or you can just grab a book to enjoy,” John said.

And hopefully (despite economic hardships, new technology and the imminent regression of language) that value persists, keeping this well-known and well-regarded bookstore on in business and alive with purpose.

Lyrical Ballad Bookstore is located at 7 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.

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Farnsworth

Susan

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Ms.

Festival!

When Susan Farnsworth throws a party in Saratoga Springs, everyone’s invited!

Story By Arthur Gonick Photos by Mark Bolles & Susan Farnsworth (Victorian dress and hat by Michelle Erceg of ‘Best Dressed Windows in Town’) A well-run festival is one where you just show up ready to party! Seemingly rising out of nowhere, hundreds of details are not given a thought by attendees.

But who makes it happen?

Over the past few decades, Saratoga Springs has become known world-wide for putting on high-quality and unique events and festivals. Throughout, the one person who has been a constant in the creation and enhancement of these celebrations has been Susan Farnsworth. And the chances are very good that unless you have been involved in the planning of these civic parties, you really have no idea who she is.

Part of that is the nature of the job: to put forward the people who provide the music, the entertainment and the good times. Certainly she would want me to say that in most cases she is part of a larger team, so we’ll add that disclaimer for the moment. But if you bother to look around at nearly every organizing committee for these events, you’ll find her either

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When we needed to bring someone on...during Fair time she was a natural

leading the group or occupying a significant role.

And when people who know Susan were contact- Dick Rowland ed for this article, they Former Saratoga County Fair Manager; reacted as one with Current Town of Greenfield Supervisor incredible positive feelings about her and the work she has accomplished on behalf of promoting Downtown Saratoga Springs and the Greater Saratoga area.

One example is Dawn Oesch, Past President of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association.

“Susan is the lifeline of our organization. I don’t know where we would be without her.”

From Dick Rowland, current Town of Greenfield Supervisor who was Fair Manager for the Saratoga County Fair for years: “Susan has a great sense of community.”

So this is an acknowledgment to someone who

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takes care of the minutiae largely behind the scenes, a ‘secret weapon’ if you will, that for the most part only the people she works for and coordinates on behalf of have real knowledge of. Well, secret no more. Susan Farnsworth has been a key constant element for people, both local and tourist, visiting and coming away with a positive reaction to Saratoga.

She’s not retiring or anything, not to worry. As far as anyone can see, she’s still in her prime.

But we shouldn’t have to wait for years to pay homage to someone who arranges all these things that make Saratoga what it is; festivals from Hats Off to Victorian Streetwalk and so many others, before we say thanks to her. In fact, if there was universal concept in discussing Susan with people who know her, it is that this acknowledgement is long overdue.

After growing up in Greenwich, Connecticut, Susan came to Saratoga Springs as a Skidmore student, graduating in 1974. With interests in music, art and marketing she became involved with newspaper layout and eventually

sales. It was in that capacity that she met Dick Rowland, who was Saratoga County Fair Manager at the time, and she started doing consulting work which led to her involvement with this annual summer event which continues to this day: “Susan helped me develop the creative concepts and place the ads for the Fair. When we needed to bring someone on staff that would handle the press during Fair time she was a natural. Susan has been a great asset to the Fair, and I obviously have been thrilled to see her role here expand over the years…She has been a true partner with the Fair, helping it become the event that our County can be proud of. Susan is always giving of herself for the betterment of the event.”

In 1986, as a newly appointed Director of Promotion and Marketing for the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, Susan and Martha Margolis, who was the owner of a Broadway store called Casual Environments, were looking for a unique way to show off the quality, character and diversity of the Downtown merchants. They developed the concept of an “open house:”

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Susan is the lifeline of our organization. I don’t know where we would be without her.

basically a non-selling event in which the City’s warmth and heritage would take precedence. The Victorian Streetwalk was born, and became an instant institution which will cele- Dawn Oesch, brate its 24th year in 2010. The partPast President, Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association nership between Susan Farnsworth and Martha Margolis on this event lasted for the first twelve years with festivals were funded in large part by the New York Martha contracting for the variety of entertainment Racing Association, and are well-attended events and Susan handling everything from graphic design to drawing tens of thousands of people downtown at the logistics – which became her forte` on several things beginning and end of each year’s race meet. Susan to come. After Ms. Margolis relocated to Florida, put in her bid and accepted the challenge. It would Susan became the lead at putting on this event on the be hard to think of anyone who had a betterFirst Thursday following the Thanksgiving holiday; for equipped skill set for the multitude of logistical many in the region, this is the kickoff to the annual nuances involved in a multi-site, multi-day festival. holiday season.

Cindy Allen, Retired Vice President of Community “Our goal is to say ‘thank you” to everyone who Affairs for the Chamber, knew she had the right persupports us year round and to give the local families son when Susan was chosen: a tradition that is unique to Saratoga Springs’ life.”

“To look at this tiny, impeccably dressed woman, it Susan said “There is a whole generation of 20-someis hard to imagine she can drive a big truck, close-off things that grew up with the Victorian Streetwalk and streets, set up stages for performers and keep crowds are now returning from college and performing in it. of thousands peaceful and happy. Susan is one of the That makes me extremely proud.” most unflappable and energetic women I have met.

“The Streetwalk is creating a place and memory for She efficiently manages hundreds of details for major the children. It’s something that is foremost in my events such as Hats Off to Saratoga and Final Stretch mind throughout the process.”

Downtown Music Festivals and makes it look easy.

Indeed, the Victorian Streetwalk has been featured Her passion for keeping Downtown Saratoga vibrant on CNN several times, and does as much to promote is evidenced by the great events she organizes.”

Saratoga Springs internationally as the Race Course.

One of the signature aspects of these festivals is that Buoyed by this success, the Downtown Business it shows off the variety and quality of the region’s Association has launched and now maintains other music (see side box for this year’s lineup). Each year successful events throughout the year, such as its a balance is struck between returning favorites and annual Fall Festival. Dawn Oesch notes “It seems new entrants with a balance of genre and demowhenever you need something done right, Susan is graphic appeal. “It’s important to let people who are the one for the job. Susan has always been intrinsivisiting know what a high-quality of entertainment cally involved in the process of creating events for us Saratoga Springs has,” Susan says. and elevating their quality. My four-year term as presBob Warren has been a musician in this area for ident would not have been successful without her. decades.

He is one of the leading performers in the Simply put, she is an asset to downtown Saratoga region: “I met ‘Susie’ back when I first moved to Springs.

Saratoga in the early ‘70’s; she was a flutist in anothIn 1998, The Saratoga County Chamber of er band – she and I shared a love of music first and Commerce was looking for help in running its annuforemost and then we built a long-lasting friendship al Hats Off and Final Stretch Festivals because they that led to some business down the road, but I have had grown to levels that were taxing its resources. The

“

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always regarded her as an artistic soul first and foremost… she has always been a pleasure to deal with on festivals like Final Stretch. For me, the most amazing thing to see is how organized she is. It looks like she has an army out there to take care of all the details that are involved in a multi-site festival.

What is remarkable is how calm she stays outwardly when

“

um on times like these, and appreciates the importance of making time for herself whenever possible.

I ask her what makes a good event, perhaps a common element throughout: “There are a lot of things that come into play. You look for things that make an event familyfriendly and entertainment that is high-quality. But ultimately it’s the welcoming nature of things.”

“I might have an event where 20,000 people or more come on a given night, but if I can get the feedback from individuals that they were made to feel that the whole experience was put on just for them, then I know that we – my team and I – have gotten it right,” Susan said.

To look at this tiny, impeccably dressed woman, it is hard to imagine she can drive a big truck, close-off streets, set up stages for performers and keep crowds of thousands peaceful and happy.

Writer s note: It was actually a pleasant surprise the pressure is that Susan on. It’s that allowed me to calming infludo this article ence that - Cindy Allen, because I felt comes from Retired Vice President of Community Affairs that she was experience Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, much more and ultimately comfortable it allows us do throwing the what we need spotlight on others rather than herself. Perhaps it is to from a creative standpoint.”

Susan holds a position of Artist Relations Coordinator because we have worked together for years, for I am for the annual SaratogaArtsFest, and has been involved also grateful to her for involving me in the music prowith Saratoga Springs’ ‘Sister Cities’ initiative with gramming end of many of the events during my career.

Chekhov, Russia. All this, and I still feel like I am just Yet any objective analysis of Susan s hard work would scratching the surface; you see her everywhere, if you lead one to the same conclusion: she is a one-of-a-kind asset; it is near impossible to overstate the impact she know where to look.

In her very limited leisure time, it is not surprising that has had in this market. Indeed, it is a fact that many of Susan’s interests have nothing to do with crowds, “I don’t the events we enjoy year-round here would not have go out very much, unless it is to look at a prospective act. been developed, or would not be of the world-class There are too many things that I already have to do,” she quality we have come to take as a given, without her on says. Rather there are solitary or small group interests like the scene.

She s not the easiest person to spot in the crowds, but kayaking, photography, biking and hiking, drawing and calligraphy – even that is a semi-work-related activity, “let I assure you that Susan s always there. And if you are me know if you know anyone that needs wedding invita- lucky to run into her, please take a moment to thank her tions done!” she says smiling. There is also the annual trip for her tremendous contribution to the quality of life abroad to visit her husband’s family. The most important that we enjoy here in Saratoga Springs year-round. This concept I learned from Susan is that she places a premi- is my modest way of doing so.

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2010 Hats Off To Saratoga Festival Friday & Saturday, July 23 and 24 Downtown Saratoga Springs Music Line-up Photo by Mark Bolles

Ellsworth Jones Place (by the City Center) BLUZ HOUSE ROCKERS (Friday) JOE’S BOYS (Saturday)

Division Street Collamer Parking Lot BOURBON RENEWAL (Friday) CHRIS O’LEARY BAND (Saturday)

Post Office KELLY HURLEY— PARTY OF THREE DUO

Adirondack Trust Co. Drive-Through INCENDIO

DISPOSABLE CULTURE (Friday) SIRSY (Saturday)

Rip Van Dam Porch RACING CITY CHORUS (Fri) SARATOGA SOUNDTRACK CHORUS (Sat)

Ben & Jerry’s SONNY DAYE TRIO

(Band Photos Provided)

Caroline Street SLICK FITTY

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History

Homogenized A Saratoga Milk Bottle Collection Reveals a Unique Story of Past and Present

Story by Yael Goldman Photos by Mark Bolles This story began with certain expectations: that it would tell the story of a local man’s milk bottle collection, and that the finished product would surely rest on the subtext “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

But there is always a more interesting story hidden far beneath the surface, and it’s only by peeling back layer upon layer of what one expects to find that the real gem is exposed.

Collectibles and personal museums lend themselves to human interest in the same way common experience can inspire the most unique fiction: the art is in finding beauty in something often overlooked or thought banal, and even more so in the individual whose thinking yields such a perspective.

So, as it seems, the story of Bill Barton’s milk bottle collection inevitably revealed something much deeper: how an apparently simple change in the way milk is packaged parallels a much greater

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change in the way Americans consume and think, and how a father’s ability to find treasure in another’s refuse unknowingly became everything to his son.

Prior to the 1950s, when Bill Barton entered the world of dairy, the glass milk bottle was symbolically American – from breakfast to dinner; front porch to kitchen table and back to the farm, the refillable container had its place in nearly every home and aspect of dayto-day living. At the turn of the last century, nearly every neighborhood in Saratoga County had its own dairy and the neighborhood milkman was a guiding thread in the community fabric.

Consumers felt a real connection with their local dairy; they held the same glass bottle in their hand each week, and could expect a new one to take its place when they left it empty on their doorstep. This in turn provided a sense of security.

But between 1935 and 1960, the majority of small local dairies fizzled out and the friendly face of the neighborhood milkman quickly turned from a lively

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presence to a ghost.

Those dairies that remained began using disposable paper and wax cartons sold in grocery stores and convenience markets. The single-use carton lifted a burden from the shoulders of the distributor; they weren’t responsible for bottle returns or pickup and delivery.

Disposable containers put the consumer in charge: just one swift movement from hand to garbage can, and not a thought required in between.

By 1960, store-purchased milk was the way to go and proved a lasting trend, so much that by 1988, 99 percent of milk was sold in stores.

And while some metal milk boxes found respite as front porch decor, others caught rust. Milk bottles labeled with the names of extinct local dairies were mostly lost, broken or discarded, signifying the end of an era and the death of a certain sentiment found within it.

Remnants of the old-fashioned dairy business belong now only to collectors like Bill Barton who have a rea-

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son to hold on to this part of the past.

Bill collected milk bottles because he was a dairyman at heart – because toward his later years he wanted to preserve a piece of history, of both the dairy industry and his own life. His career in dairy is illustrated by his passion and punctuated by major transformation in the industry itself.

From

The glass milk bottle was symbolically American

- from breakfast to dinner; front porch to kitchen table and back to the farm, the refillable container had its place in nearly every home and aspect of day-to-day living.

mechanically washing the first refillable to drinking milk out of a paper carton with his own face printed on the side, he was right there in the middle.

In his 43-year career in the dairy business, Bill worked across the whole spectrum, from milkman to Plant Manager, then Vice President, and quite a bit in between. Consequently, he became familiar with all aspects of the industry – from the farmer’s daily ritual to the processor’s technology and reason.

Bill graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with a degree in dairy science and milk processing and stayed with the institution to become an assistant professor, eventually going back to run the campus dairy, which he did from 1947 to 1952.

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From there, his career quickly took off.

Returning to Saratoga County on summer breaks from school, Bill began his first job in 1944 working as a milkman for Sundale Dairy, a small operation owned by Oscar Sundquist that was located just east of Saratoga Lake. At the time, Sundale Dairy was ahead of the game. Sundquist was a forward and innovative thinker; he was the first producer in the area to pasteurize his milk electrically using Electro-Pure and to install a continuous automatic bottle washer. When Sundquist bought the machine, Bill was the first to use it and was coincidentally the last as well. In 1945, Sundquist sold his farm to Saratoga Dairy, then owned and operated by the Dakes, who replaced the machine 13 years later when Bill’s career with the large corporation was just beginning.

Saratoga Dairy, which later became Stewart’s Shops, started out as a companion business for local dairies. In 1935, P.W. and C.V. Dake started the company to pasteurize and bottle milk for producers who didn’t have the appropriate equipment.

Bill began what would be a 36-year career running Saratoga Dairy as Plant Manager in the early 1950s. He was one of the company’s original bosses and, according to Stewart’s Shops representative Tom Mailey, Bill was responsible for the company’s decision to use local farms instead of co-ops for milk.

In 1951, the company became the first in the region to use wax-coated paper containers, and in 1954 Saratoga Dairy began delivering their dairy products to

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area distributers and supermarkets. Customers no longer picked up their milk at the “loading dock”; home delivery was on its way out and glass-refillables grew obsolete. The industry was changing rapidly.

Bill retired in 1986. He began writing his book titled Facts and Tidbits of Saratoga’s Dairy Industry from Early 1800s to 1988 and started his collection ( a good portion of which is kept at Stewart’s Shops plant on Route 9N). He focused on all the local dairies, both in writing his book and filling his basement shelves, because he knew the value in preserving this portion of history.

During his career, Bill watched as his customers

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began to enjoy the convenience of single-use containers, making the old-fashioned glass refillable a thing of the past, and considered how this change would, and did, reflect on the relationship between people and their things. He envisioned the path to disposable America just by holding a glass milk bottle in one hand and a plastic carton in the other, questioning the environmental impact of the paper container over its predeceased glass vessel.

“Paper containers gained great favor in our disposable society. It’s about this time we began to realize a tremendous solid waste problem,” Bill wrote in the forward of his small book.

Glancing at the rows and rows of dated milk bottles and paralleling this image with that of any modern frequented roadway, trash-strewn and littered with discarded bottles, it becomes clear what Bill means by “disposable society.”

In a fast-paced world, everything is about convenience over quality: spending more money if it means spending less time, choosing to replace rather than refill simply because it’s easier. But as products become more convenient, the consumer grows increasingly lazy. There is little left to appreciate if things are so easily obtained and discarded, making what Bill refers to as a “solid waste problem” a symptom of what’s become a disposable culture.

“Heck, we have deposits on some kinds of beverage bottles and even they don’t all find their way into the recycling stream,” Edgar King, Bill’s mentee and a prominent figure in the dairy industry said. “Apparently the nickel doesn’t mean anything to a lot of folks. It’s not appreciated if people are literally throwing nickels away.”

But it seems that appreciation is not something we’re born with or something to be achieved; it is an acquired taste.

Just as it took 43 years of hard work and dedication to solidify Bill’s appreciation for the dairy business, his son Pat’s connection to the milk bottle collection took a while to develop.

Pat Barton has lived in Saratoga Springs his whole life; he knows the city corner to corner, inside and out, and for a good portion of his childhood it seemed the city knew him just as well.

Bill collected milk bottles because he was a dairyman at heart

Growing up on Loughberry Lake with his two older brothers and sister, Pat went to school in Saratoga Springs. He worked for his father at Saratoga Dairy, and spent his summers playing baseball for Walton’s Sport Shop. He was an ordinary kid, with ordinary interests, and like many youngsters he felt slightly embarrassed by his parents.

His father was somewhat of a local celebrity: everyone knew who he was, that he was the Vice President of Saratoga Dairy and that he took great pride in his work.

But with Bill’s picture printed right on the Stewart’s Shops half gallon milk, Pat often found himself under his father’s spotlight.

“A lot of kids at school gave me ‘the business’ about it,” he said.

In his youth, these effects rendered disconcerting.

At the time Pat didn’t get it. He couldn’t understand why the dairy business was so important to his father or how it could be his passion, and perhaps that’s the reason Pat thought the milk bottle collection was silly; a sign that his father’s love for the job had turned into a trivial obsession – and, rightfully so.

Kids rarely understand their parents; they often mistake personality for weirdness, wishing away the nuances – the quirks that make each family so unique, and that’s just part of growing up.

As we mature, our parents become people; we find that growing up isn’t just a journey to self-discovery, it’s about reaching the point when you can look back on it all and realize that everything you were once so

Saratoga Experience Summer 2010 | 73

ashamed of is, in fact, most important.

At the time, they were just bottles to Pat: old, dusty glass samples that hogged space in the basement and took too much of his father’s time. He had no reason to see them as anything more.

“I remember watching him: every time he bought a new bottle, he’d stand over the kitchen sink with a little brush, just cleaning and polishing the little thing until it was good enough to place on the shelf,” he said. “Looking back, I wish I’d taken the time to appreciate that part of my father when I was a kid.”

But this isn’t about not knowing what one has until it’s gone: that’s simply not the case. Pat always adored his father; it’s the milk bottles he couldn’t feel for and maybe it’s because they weren’t his.

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When his father passed away in May 2006, Pat inherited the collection and his father’s passion for it. And, like many adults, what Pat was uncomfortable with as a kid he now makes up for with pride. He finds himself polishing the same bottles and building on his father’s collection, mostly to keep his legacy alive but a real part of him has grown to love the rows and rows of glass containers wrapped around the perimeter of the basement.

“As I matured, I began to see this stuff as something unique. But, growing up I really wasn’t at all interested in the milk bottles, and it’s because I didn’t know their importance, maybe the importance of collecting,” Pat said. “Now that my dad is no longer with us, these bottles are even more important to me than I ever thought they could be because of all the time and effort he put into

collecting them and because he felt strongly enough to pass them along to me. I know I’m going to make sure I always keep them and add to the collection.”

It just takes time to learn to appreciate, and a little more time to realize that you do.

“As we grow older and more mature I think we see the value in things, we value more of the history that we’ve been involved in and that went before us,” King said.

Through the interview process – making observations as Pat collected each thought to tell his father’s story; reading in between the lines, through the reflective pauses as he recounted it all – it became apparent that he values history and takes time to appreciate the little things just like Bill. Although he appeared guilty, almost angry with himself for not seeing the bigger picture in his younger years, it’s quite obvious that he always did.

He is a craftsman by profession and a woodworker at heart; he likes to restore and create, and can see beauty in a pile of disjointed materials, envisioning a finished product in a way similar to Bill’s desire to improve and preserve.

In moments of side-conversation and chit-chat, Pat revealed his true character and that, like his father, he is passionate about all that he does.

A few years ago Pat noticed an “X” spray painted on one of the ancient cherry trees in his neighborhood, just outside his parent’s house.

Realizing the bright symbol marked the tree’s destruction, Pat began to wonder what would become of the wood; if it would be thrown away carelessly, or put to proper use.

A few days later, he watched as the tree was cut down and saw the trunk grow smaller and smaller, its value decreasing respectively. For Pat, the thought of such quality material going to waste was nothing short of appalling, so he offered the man with the chainsaw $100 for the tree’s remains (“which was an incredible steal,” he said) and transformed that sad pile of cherry it into an array of handcrafted pieces.

It may not seem like much, but Pat’s reaction speaks volumes about his character and values. For most people, a stack of finely chopped wood is meant for the fireplace – no matter the species or cast. Only a trained eye, like Pat’s, one with a personal interest and the passion-

ate knowledge that soon follows, would have reason to rescue the material and put it to good use.

In a part of the basement separate from where the milk bottles are kept, Pat houses his extensive collection of tools, many passed down from his father and grandfather, and the many handcrafted items he created with them. As Pat’s own personal display is starting to grow, his selfpride appears to be developing with it – even if he hasn’t taken the time to see it in himself.

But that just may be the Barton-family way: concealing hard work and dedication with layers of modesty and reticence.

“My dad only had an Associate’s degree and was really hard on himself about it. But if I could achieve half of what he did, if I could be half as successful and passionate as my father, I would be as good as gold,” Pat said.

In the end, the link between Bill Barton, his son and the history of the milk bottle is plain and simple: it’s about learning to appreciate the past, finding value in what’s important, and taking pride in one’s work as if it were going extinct.

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Experience Saratoga

[

Art Venues

Art District on Beekman St. (518) 584-1036 Beekman St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Riverfront Studios (518) 695-5354 96 Broad St. Schuylerville, NY 12871 riverfront-studios.com

Crafters Gallery (518) 583-2435 427 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 CraftersGallerySaratoga.com

Saratoga County Arts Council (518) 584-4132 320 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 saratoga-arts.org

Flores Fine Art Gallery (518) 232-1017 492 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 floresartnewyork.com

Schick Art Gallery (518) 580-5049 Skidmore College Saisselin Art Building, 2nd Floor 815 No. Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 skidmore.edu

Gallery 100 (518) 580-0818 462 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 House of Creative Soul (518) 226-0100 38 Van Dam Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 HouseofCreativeSoul.Com Impressions (518) 587-0666 368 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 ImpressionsSaratoga.Com Laura Wilson Gallery (518) 584-1142 385 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Mimosa Art for Home and Wear (518) 583-1163 70c Beekman St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 mimosagallery.com

SARATOGA

Get the most of your

Sorelle Gallery (518) 584-0600 385 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Sorellegallery.com Spa Fine Art (518) 587-2411 376 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Spa-Fine-Art.Com Strolling Village Artisans (518) 885-5855 20 Washington St. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 strollingvillageartisans.com

Symmetry (518) 584-5090 348 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 SymmetryGallery.Com

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SARATOGA

Tom Myott Gallery (518) 798-8431 71 Lawrence St Glens Falls, NY 12801 tmyottart.com

Bath Houses

Crystal Spa (518) 584-2556 120 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 thecrystalspa.net Roosevelt Baths and Spa (518) 226-4790 24 Gideon Putnam Rd. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 RooseveltBathsAndSpa.com

Bike Rentals

The Inn at Saratoga (518) 583-1890 231 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 theinnatsaratoga.com

Boating, Marinas, Rentals Champlain Canal Tour Boats, LLC (518) 695-5609 Canal House End of Towpath Schuylerville, NY 12871 champlaincanaltours.com Edinburg Marina & Powersports (518) 863-8398 140 North Shore Rd. Northville, NY 12866 edinburgmarina.com Fish Creek Marina (518) 587-9788 251 Staffords Bridge Rd. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 fishcreekmarina.com Kayaderosseras Creek Canoe and Kayak Trail saratogaplan.org/trail_ Kayaderosseras.html Lake George Shoreline Cruises (518) 668-4664 2 Kurosaka Lane Lake George, NY 12845 lakegeorgeshoreline.com

Lakes to Locks (518) 597-9660 lakestolocks.com Majestic Mountain Marina (518) 696-3727 2335 N. Shore Rd. Hadley, NY 12835 majesticmountainmarina.com Point Breeze Marina (518) 587-3397 1459 Rte. 9P Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 pointbreezemarina.com Saratoga Boat Works (518) 584-2628 549 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 saratogaboatworks.com Saratoga Rowing Center, Inc. (518) 587-6697 543 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 saratogarowing.com Schuyler Yacht Basin & Marina (518) 695-3193 1 Ferry St., Rte. 29 Schuylerville, NY 12871 schuyleryachtbasin.com State Boat Launch (518) 584-2000 Rte. 9P, Saratoga Lake, NY 12866 nysparks.state.ny.us/parks Sacandaga Outdoor Center (518) 696-RAFT 1 White Water Way, Hadley, NY 12835 4soc.com For More Information: adksportsfitness.com saratogaplan.org johnnymilleradventures.com

Fitness Finder

Global Fitness (518) 584-5004 165 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Lake George Steamboat Co., Inc. 800-553-2628 or (518) 668-5777 57 Beach Rd Lake George, NY 12845 lakegeorgesteamboat.com

Saratoga Health and Wellness (518) 306-6987 30 Gick Rd. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 saratogahealthandwellness.com

Lake Lonely Boat Livery (518) 587-1721 378 Crescent Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

My Gym (518) 885-4222 2100 Saratoga Road Ballston Spa, NY 12020

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YMCA of Saratoga (518) 583-9622 290 West Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

(518) 581-9128 200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville, NY 12871 cem.va.gov

Curves (518) 587-4114 4208 Route 50, #3 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Grant Cottage (518)587-8277 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd. Wilton, NY 12831 grantcottage.org

Historical Sites

The Saratoga Springs Visitor Center and Heritage Area (518) 587-3241 297 Broadway at Congress Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com The Gardens at Yaddo (518) 584-0746 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs yaddo.org General Philip Schuyler House (518) 664-9821ext 224 648 Route 32 Stillwater, NY 12170 nps.gov/sara Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery

Saratoga Monument (518) 664-9821 Burgoyne St. Schuylerville, NY 12871 nps.gov/sara Saratoga National Historical Park (The Battlefield) (518) 664-9821 648 Route 32 Stillwater, NY 12170 battle1777.saratoga.org Stark s Knob (518) 695-4159 Off Route 4 Schuylerville, NY 12871 nysm.nysed.gov1services/starks

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Horseback Riding

Bennett’s Riding Stable (518) 696-4444 91 Gage Hill Rd. Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 lakegeorgenewyork.com/horses Muddy Acres Farm (518) 581-0264 410 Middle Grove Rd. Middle Grove, NY 12850 Schauber Stables (518) 399-2484 428 Schauber Road Ballston Lake, NY 12019

Miniature Golf

Exit 17 Range & Mini Golf (518) 745-8415 Rt. 9, Gansevoort NY, 12831 Mill Creek Miniature Golf (518) 885-PUTT (7888) 1 Trieble Avenue Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Saratoga Mini Golf (518) 581-0852 3071 Route 50 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Children s Museum (518) 584-5540 69 Caroline St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 childrensmuseumatsaratoga.org

Albany Saratoga Speedway (518) 587-0220 or 857-0761 2671 Route 9 Malta, NY 12020 Albany-saratogaspeedway.com

National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame (518) 584-2225 99 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 dancemuseum.org

Fonda Speedway (518) 382-3115 Just off exit 28 of NYS Thruway at Montgomery County Fairground fondaspeedway.com

National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame (518) 584-0400 191 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs NY, 12866 racingmuseum.org

Movie Theaters

NYS Military Heritage Institute (518) 226-0991 61 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Malta Twin Drive-In (518) 587-6077 2785 Route 9, Malta, NY 12020 maltadrivein.com Regal Cinema 8 (518) 587-0436 3065 Route 50 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 regmovies.com

Saratoga Automobile Museum (518) 587-1935 110 Avenue of the Pines Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 saratogaautomuseum.org

SARATOGA

Motor Sports

Museums

[

Slices Ice Cream Parlor & Mini-Golf (518) 250-0711 Rt. 50 & Charlton Rd. Ballston Spa, NY slicesminigolf.com

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SARATOGA

Saratoga Harness Hall of Fame (518) 587-4210 352 Jefferson St. Saratoga Springs NY, 12866 Saratoga History Museum (518) 584-6920 Canfield Casino, Congress Park saratogahistory.org Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum & Art Gallery (518) 580-8080 Skidmore College Campus 815 N. Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 skidmore.edu/tang

Polo

Saratoga Polo Association (518) 584-8108 Corner of Bloomfield & Denton Roads Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 saratogapolo.com

Rodeo

Double M Rodeo & Western Store (518) 885-9543

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678 Route 67 (1 mile west of Exit 12) Ballston Spa, NY 12020 doublemwestern.com Painted Pony Championship Rodeo (518) 696-2421 703 Howe Rd. Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 paintedponyrodeo.com

Swimming

Victoria Pool / Peerless Pool at the Saratoga Spa State Park (518) 584-2003 - Victoria Pool (518) 584-2009 - Peerless Pool 19 Roosevelt Drive Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 nysparks.state.ny.us YMCA of Saratoga (518) 583-9622 290 West Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 ymcasaratoga.org

Saratoga Experience Summer 2010 | 83

GolfDirectory Airway Meadows Golf Club (518) 792-4144 262 Brownville Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831 airwaymeadowsgolf.com

Amsterdam Municipal Country Club (518) 842-4265 Upper Van Dyke Amsterdam, NY 12010 amsterdammuni.com Ballston Spa Country Club (518) 885-7935 Route 67 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 ballstonspacc.com

Bay Meadows Golf Club (518) 792-1650 31 Cronin Rd. Glens Falls, NY 12804

Battenkill Country Club (518) 692-9179 Route 29 Greenwich, NY 12834 battenkillcc.com Bend of the River (518) 696-3415 5 Park Ave. Hadley, NY 12835 bendoftheriver.com

Brookhaven Golf Club (518) 893-7458 333 Alpine Meadows Rd. Greenfield Center, NY 12859 brookhavengolfclub.com Eagle Crest Golf Club (518) 877-7082 1004 Route 146A Clifton Park, NY 12065 eaglecrestgolf.com Fairways of Halfmoon (518) 664-1578 17 Johnson Rd. Mechanicville, NY 12118 fairwaysofhalfmoon.com Galway Golf Club (518) 882-6395 5767 Jockey Street Galway, NY 12074 galwaygolfclub.com Glens Falls Country Club (518) 792-1186 211 Round Pond Rd. Queensbury, NY 12804 glensfallscountryclub.com Hiland Golf Club (518) 793-2000 195 Haviland Rd. Queensbury, NY 12804 hilandparkcc.com Kingswood Golf Club (518) 747-8888 111 County Route 41 Hudson Falls, NY 12839 kingswoodgolf.com McGregor Links Country Club, Private (518) 584-6664 Northern Pines Rd. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 mcgregorlinks.com

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Mechanicville Golf Club (518) 664-3866 Route 67 East Mechanicville, NY12118 mechanicvilleny.com/ mechanicvillecc Pioneer Hills Golf Course (518) 885-7000 3230 North Line Rd. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 pioneerhillsgolf.com Pole Valley Players Club (518) 632-9632 3737 Route 196 Hartford, NY 12838 polevalley.com Sagamore Resort & Golf Club (518) 664-9400 800-358-6221 110 Sagamore Rd. Bolton Landing, NY 12814 thesagamore.com

Saratoga Golf & Polo Club Private (518) 584-8121 301 Church St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 saratogagolfpoloclub.org Saratoga Lake Golf Club (518) 581-6616 35 Grace Moore Rd. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 saratogalakegolf.com Saratoga National Golf Course (518) 583-GOLF (4653) x 615 458 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 golfsaratoga.com Saratoga Spa Championship & Executive Golf Course (518) 584-2006 x 10 60 Roosevelt Drive Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 saratogaspagolf.com

Tee Bird North Golf Course (518) 792-7727 30 Reservoir Rd. Moreau, NY 12828 teebirdgolf.com Tee Bird South Golf Club (518) 747-0280 65 Reynolds Road (Rt 197) Moreau, NY 12828 Thousand Acres (518) 696-2444 465 Warrensburg Rd. Stony Creek, NY12878 1000acres.com Van Patten Golf Course (518) 877-5400 924 Main Street Clifton Park, NY 12065 VanPattengolf.com Windy Hills Golf Club (518) 695-4902 219 Windy Hills Rd. Greenwich, NY 12834

Saratoga Experience Summer 2010 | 85

Photos provided by Larry Hart ("The Sacandaga Story"), originally published in 1967 containing photographs from the collection of John Bennis.

80 Years ago...A Valley

The Great

Sacandaga Lake Now...

Photos Provided by Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry Story By Arthur Gonick

The Great Sacandaga Lake is one of the premier recreational areas for Saratoga County residents and visitors to the region today. Its majesty belies the fact that it is not a natural lake at all. Rather, it was one of the first major dam projects that was designed to forestall the flooding that was an annual occurrence in the area.

Through the peaceful valley flowed the Sacandaga River, and until 1930 passed through farming towns such as Osborn Bridge, Fish House and Denton’s Corners, The Vly marshlands provided sport fishing and recreational opportunities. Sacandaga Park was a summer resort regarded as the playground of the North Country.

These and other communities were lost when The Sacandaga Reservoir was created to regulate the flow of the Hudson River. The $12 million project was financed as a public corpora-

Saratoga Experience Summer 2010 | 87

tion by New York State, with costs borne by the commercial industries and the surrounding communities which benefitted from the reservoir and the dam which was constructed at Conklingville.

The Sacandaga today covers an area equivalent to the size of Lake George, with a surface area of 42 square miles. In his book “The Sacandaga Story: A Valley of Yesteryear,� historian Larry Hart transports us back to a time where the communities of the Sacandaga River had a rustic yet rich life, with covered bridges, general stores and fishing camps in small, selfsufficient hamlets.

The project was one of the biggest of its time. Eleven hundred permanent residents and hundreds of graves were relocated to higher ground. The railroads which once criss-crossed the valley were dismantled and did not return. In its place by 1932 were 50 miles of new highways and 10 new bridges to reconnect the communities that now occupied the shores of the Great Sacandaga Lake.

Today the Great Sacandaga Reservoir is an undiscovered Mecca for boating, water sports, snowmobiling, skiing, fishing and all kinds of recreation. For summer fun, there are seven public beaches and well over a dozen boat launches and marinas. Unlike other lakes the Great Sacandaga Lake is still quaint and pristine! There are many historical museums and the shoreline is dotted with markers noting interesting landmarks and great events of the area. Antiques and crafts are found in little shops everywhere. And there are many options for outstanding lakefront dining.

Summer Beaches on Sacandaga Lake: Broadalbin Town Beach (518) 883-4657 Lakeview Road, Broadalbin Open Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Town of Mayfield Beach (518) 661-5414 Burr Road, Mayfield Open Monday- Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Town of Northampton Beach (518) 863-6000 Houseman Street, Northampton Open Daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Inn at the Bridge (518) 863-2240 641 Bridge Street Northville

Village of Northville Beach (518) 863-4040 State Route 30, Northville Open Monday-Friday 1 to 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Lanzi s on the Lake (518) 661-7711 State Route 30 Mayfield

Caroga Lake Beach and NY State Campground (518) 835-4241 State Route 29, Caroga Lake Open Daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pine Lake Park Beach (518) 835-4930 136 Timberline Lane, Pine Lake Open Daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Great Sacandaga Lake Marinas and Public Boat Launches:

Millers Grandview Marine (518) 661-5824 342 Lakeside Drive Mayfield Montoney s Marine (518) 661-6473 199 State Highway 30 Mayfield Northampton Marina (518) 863-8127 284 Houseman Street Mayfield

Cranberry Cove Marina, Inc. (518) 661-5616 1840 St Hwy 30 Mayfield Driftwood Park (518) 661-9905 534 Vandenburg Point Road Mayfield Edinburg Marina and Powersports (518) 863-8398 140 North Shore Road Edinburg Gordon s Lakeside Marine (518) 661-5031 322 Lakeside Drive Mayfield Holly s Service and Marina (518) 661-5512 275 Lakeside Drive Mayfield I-Go-Inn (518) 883-8900 241 South Shore Road Edinburg

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Park Marine Base, Inc. (518) 863-8112 199 County Highway 152 Northville Sacandaga Marina (518) 661-6021 117 School Street Mayfield

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The Sand Bar (518) 883-4881 306 Woods Hollow Road Mussels Harbor, Mayfield Sunset Bay Vacation Resort RV Park and Marina (518) 661-6187 Paradise Point Road Mayfield

The Great Sacandaga Lake Statistics: (Provided by the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry):

¥ The Great Sacandaga Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Adirondacks. It is 29 miles long with 125 miles of shoreline. ¥ The Great Sacandaga Lake offers some of the best fishing in the Adirondacks and is one of the largest tourism attractions in Fulton County. ¥ The largest pike ever caught in North America was in the Great Sacandaga Lake - a 46 lb., 2 oz. specimen on September 15, 1940 by Peter Dubuc who owned a cabin on the lake. ¥ You can also fish on the Great Sacandaga Lake for brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. ¥ The Great Sacandaga Lake offers a number of large

fishing tournaments each year. The Lake has hosted the ESPN Bass Club World Championship Regional Fishing Tournament in 2007, and this year is hosting the Northeast Team Bass tournament in July and the Rhode Island Bass Federation tournament in August. ¥ The largest fishing tournament held on the Great Sacandaga Lake is the Annual Walleye Ice Fishing Challenge that welcomes 1500 fishermen on the last Saturday in January.

For more information on Great Sacandaga Lake yearround events, visit www.fultoncountyny.org or telephone (518) 725-0641

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