Summer Dreams 08-19-21

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Things to do in Greater Cooperstown

Dreams ►

Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021

► Hyde Hall DISPLAYS

HISTORIC GRandeur

InsiDE: ReSTAURANT REVIEWS for the PERFECT VACATION, Page B5 Home

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AllOTSEGO.com

21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326 • 607-547-6103 • info@allotsego.com

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what’s fun

in Otsego County

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Renaissance Faire, folk concert at Hyde Hall, woodworking Wear your Renaissance best Great New York State Fairgrounds, and come to the Renaissance Faire 581 State Fair Blvd. in Syracuse. featuring Celtic step dancers, The From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, Aug. Happy Haegs, vendors, crafters and 20, through Monday, Sept. 6. For info: games for all ages. This is the last 315-487-7711 or visit nysfair.ny.gov.

RenFaire the barn will be hosting.

• At Windfall Dutch Barn, 2009-2019 Otsego County residents are invited County Rte 80 near Fort Plain, from to bring their hazardous waste for free 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and recycling with the Otsego County Sunday, Aug. 21 & 22. For info: 518- Department of Solid Waste. Paints, 774-0134 or windfalldutchbarn.com. pesticides, batteries, and more will • be accepted. At the Unadilla Explore the sounds Town Barn, 193 Main St. in things of rural America in folk Unadilla on Friday, Aug. 20. concert presented by Robin to do! and The Meadows Office & Linda Williams. The duo Complex, 140 County Rte 33, is Virginia-based and will in Middlefield, Saturday, Aug. be presenting “A Grand Ole 21. For info: 607-547-4225 Opry,” and “A Prairie Home or otsegocounty.com/departCompanion,” among other ments/solid_waste/houseclassic folk music. Cost is hold_hazardous_waste_day. $20/adult. Hyde Hall, 267 php.

Glimmerglass State Park • Rd. in Cooperstown. 6:30 Join local historian/ p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21. Larissa Ryan archaeologist Buzz Hesse Call 607-547-5098 or visit to learn about the Sullivanhydehall.org.

Clinton campaign during the • Revolutionary War. The campaign Come celebrate the opening of began at Otsego Lake and traveled annual exhibits “Made in New York: down the Susquehanna River and The Art of Wood,” a fine craft invi- was against British loyalists and tational featuring works in wood the Haudenosaunee nations, who by upstate crafters. Also opening had sided with the British. At the is “Daily Draw: Revisited.” At Swart-Wilcox House Museum in Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Oneonta from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Main St. in Cooperstown. 5 - 7 p.m. Aug. 22. For info: 607-287-7011 or Friday August 20. For info: 607-547- visit swartwilcoxhouse.wordpress.

9777 or visit cooperstownart.com. com/2021-summer-sunday-series/.

• Fair season is still here. The New ►ON THE COVER York State Fair is opening Friday, Aug. 20, lasting unil Sept. 6. There will be Hyde Hall rides, food, games, animals and much Photo by Kevin Limiti more for the whole family. At the

Thursday, August 19, 2021

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Kevin Limiti/The Freeman’s Journal

The formal dining room at Hyde Hall where the Clarkes used to host parties.

Hyde Hall holds history close to its heart, mission The haunted mansion exudes an atmosphere that is unlike any other in Otsego County

By KEVIN LIMITI Hyde Hall brings to mind Shirley Jackson’s famous opening for the Haunting of Hill House. Only in this case, the house stood for more than 200 years and will probably stand for 200 more.

Hyde Hall is something of an anomaly. It’s a relic of the past, which does not exist anymore and was unusual even for the time, at least in Otsego County.

The breathtaking scenery surrounding Hyde Hall is enough to warrant a visit. At the top, where the house stands, you can look down at Otsego Lake and see all the way to Cooperstown.

The limestone house has a cold, intimidating demeanor, which is why it is a surprise the interior of the house feels warmer and much more decorative. Marketing Manager John Aborn describes it as an oyster with a pearl inside.

Aborn said many visitors to Hyde Hall are surprised when they first enter the building, which was built in the 19th century by Henry Clarke, an Englishman who married Ann Low Cary Cooper, the widow of the elder

brother of James Fenimore Cooper.

“They’re always surprised how stern the house is on the outside,” Aborn said.

The land around Hyde Hall is 120,000 acres, while the house itself is 22,000 square feet. The property has been well maintained throughout the years, thanks to the efforts of Hyde Hall, Inc., formerly known as Friends of Hyde Hall.

Fenimore Art Museum loans Hyde Hall four portraits each summer.

When entering Hyde Hall, the music from Ma’alwyck plays a somber, classical tune that sets a Victorian atmosphere for the rest of the visit.

Recent events have taken advantage of the recording, with musicians playing the songs heard during the Clarke era.

The portraits on the inside of the house are plentiful and the only interior lighting comes from either the natural sunlight through the windows or lamps. Most of the house is available to be toured with few areas being roped off, including some areas that are being renovated. But with all the old fashioned portraits and dark atmosphere, it’s no surprise there have See HYDE, Page B4

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Thursday, August 19, 2021

Kevin Limiti/The Freeman’s Journal

The mirrors in Hyde Hall were often opposite each other to refract light and to create an illusion of endless reflection.

Hyde Hall offers history in a way not usually found in Otsego HALL/from Page B3 been numerous ghost sightings and even a Ghost Hunters episode filmed at Hyde Hall.

“This house has had ghost stories attached pretty much (since) when George Clarke, the builder, died,” Aborn said.

The question of the supernatural has always been debatable, but the one thing that is hard to argue against is the history Hyde Hall emits. The house lives and breathes history, being one-of-a-kind in the Otsego County area.

Mirrors that are opposite each other in the sitting room reflect back and forth until you can see an endless cascade of mirror images that grow ever darker than the furthest one looks. The mirrors also have the ability to refract light coming from the windows and chandelier. It was considered fashionable back in the day to have mirrors arranged in this way.

Clarke kept detailed receipts, which are able to provide a vast historical insight into what things they bought and how daily life was during his era.

“I can tell what pickles he would buy,” Aborn said. “As historians, it’s almost cheating to have that much information.”

The house is built around a courtyard, which has open windows, letting in light from outside.

In the west of the house is an area that was used by the staff. In the kitchen, there is a very old menu which contained meals such as Halibut steaks, creamed sweetbreads, queen of pudding, roast veal and other unusual ingredients.

In the formal dining room, where the Clarkes would host their parties, there are vapor lamps, which were something of a novelty at the time. They burn clean and smell of turpentine, which makes sense because the fuel is part alcohol, part turpentine. But because of this lamp, the Clarkes were able to host parties long after most people would be going to bed because, back then, candles were quite expensive, Aborn said.

The formal dining room hosts a painting of Jane Cooper Worthington, known as “Janie,” whose portrait used to reside at a private residence in Cooperstown.

Worthington died, and when her husband remarried, he tried to take her painting down and, as the story goes, there were screams and moans heard throughout the house until the painting was put back up, where it remained for 150 years. “We have inherited a haunted painting,” Aborn said.

Aborn said he loves working at Hyde Hall. “I love history, especially our region’s history,” he said. “It’s a great way to understanding how everything fits today. You need that reference.”

In addition to tours that run every day by appointment, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., between May 31 and Oct. 31, Hyde Hall also hosts musical events on its front lawn.

At 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21, there will be a performance by folk duet Robin and Linda Williams which will include food and drinks from Brewery Ommegang. There will also be a Get Lit event featuring historic lighting and cocktails on Saturday, Sept. 11, and ghost tours all throughout October.

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Thursday, August 19, 2021

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Staff Picks Our best bets for local dining Fly Creek Cider Mill, diners, Chinese food

Larissa Ryan Business Manager The Fly Creek Cider Mill You love flowers blooming and you’ve had a blooming onion, now get ready for a blooming apple.

This delicious treat is one of the many snacks to be had at the Fly Creek Cider Mill and it is a great way to curb your hunger with a healthy treat. It’s an apple cut into slices in a bowl with warm caramel, nuts and a cherry. A tasty treat for before or after you walk around the mill, pick out something from the shop (it’s huge!) visit and feed the geese, or try out the many games available for the children.

The Fly Creek Cider Mill, 288 Goose St., Fly Creek 607-547-9692 Tara Barnwell Publisher Cooperstown Diner If you blink while driving down Main Street Cooperstown, you may miss The Cooperstown Diner!

The diner is a quaint, tiny, fantastic gem!

You must start with the mac ’n cheese triangles. These perfectly fried little triangles of cheese are delicious. They also have the biggest burgers I have ever been served!

Get the platter with curly fries and you won’t eat for days after. The tuna melts are grilled to perfection and go well with huge fried onion rings.

Did I mention they serve breakfast all day long?

I can’t find anything not to love about the diner, make it part of your Cooperstown experience.

Cooperstown Diner 136½ Main St. Cooperstown 607-282-4367

Greg Klein Editor Foo Chow Restaurant On the hunt for new-to-us restaurants, we took a recommendation to try the Chinese place in Richfield Springs.

I had the Wor Shu Duck, which is sometimes known as Cantonese Pressed Duck.

It was tasty, but I also liked everything else we ordered that night, including chicken and spare rib dishes.

The restaurant is set up for take-out and they seem to have COVID-proofed it as well. It is also in a beautiful old building on Main Street in a section of Richfield Springs that looks like it is ripped from a Hallmark Channel movie.

Foo Chow Restaurant 137 W. Main St Richfield Springs 315-858-9988 Kevin Limiti Reporter Latte Lounge Since moving to Oneonta, the Latte Lounge has been my staple for coffee and reading, especially since the Green Toad Bookstore is next door.

I tried the crispy chicken sandwich for the first time recently and must say the food is also good. I have also heard about the bagel chips that come with sandwiches and I cannot wait to try them, This is the type of place where everybody from town seems to hang out and I highly recommend coming by if you haven’t already.

Latte Lounge 196 Main St., Oneonta 607-432-6244

COLOR ODYSSEY

Emma Amos (American, 1937–2020), Equals, detail, 1992, acrylic on linen canvas with African fabric borders, 76 x 82 in., private collection

310 Genesee Street, Utica, New York • 315-797-0000 • mwpai.org Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Many Thanks to our Exhibition Sponsors Lead sponsor: Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy Insurance Associate sponsors: Elizabeth R. Lemieux, Ph.D., Alan and Linda Vincent, and M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund of The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties Emma Amos: Color Odyssey is organized by the Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia, and is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Willson Center for the Humanities and the Arts, University of Georgia.

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Thursday, August 19, 2021

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THE DOG CHARMER by Tom Shelby

Training a dog not to run out on the highway Hey there! How do you break a 10-month-old puppy from crossing the highway?

Scared dog mom, here, Lisa Hi Lisa, Great question.

I’m big on what I call “auto stops.” Dog’s walking next to you, no leash. When you get to the curb you don’t break stride, just cross the street like it’s still sidewalk, but Bowser stops dead at the curb and doesn’t cross till he hears your release, even if you’ve crossed the street.

Bowser doesn’t enter the street until he hears you say “OK.” That’s what I say, “OK.” My son says “free,” which is smarter, because I’ve experienced saying ok in conversation with a friend when my dog who was heeling, and she stopped heeling the moment she heard me exclaim “OK.” That is a lot less likely to happen with the word free.

My first dog as an adult was a pharaoh hound named CheetaAnn. Initially, we lived in Whitestone, Queens and Cheets and I would jog from the Throgs Neck Bridge to Fort Totten every morning.

Cheets, a sighthound who was real fast, came to a screaming stop at every curb

until she heard my release.

Here’s what I did, for all my dogs. Cheets is walking next to me on a loose leash and when we get to the curb I give the leash a slight jerk backwards as I say “uh, uh” the exact moment she starts to step off the curb into the street. I may have to do this several times until she stops automatically at the curb, even as I continue into the street.

Timed correctly with a smart, sensitive dog, you

might be amazed at how quickly the dog “gets it” and stops automatically at every curb, especially if intermittent treats accompany the praise when she catches up to you after she’s released.

The same lesson applies to car doors and the front door to my house. They do not leave through the open door until they hear “OK.” However, Lisa, I gather from your question that crossing streets in suburbia is not your issue, but rather

Golf Tournament to benefit theater STAFF REPORT There will be a golf tournament Sunday, Sept. 19, to benefit the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre in the nonprofit organization’s efforts to reopen the historic theater as a performance venue.

The fundraiser will begin at 1 p.m. at the Oneonta Country Club, with 18 holes of golf.

There will be a shotgun start, a putting contest, a chipping contest and prizes for closest pin and closest line. Players can buy mulligans for purchase. The afternoon will also feature a 50/50 raffle, silent auction items, a cash bar and a barbecue at the 19th hole.

Sponsorship levels begin at $100 for each hole sponsor and rise through $2,000 for lead sponsors.

The fee for each player is $75, including the barbecue. Golfers who do not have a foursome are welcomed.

For more information, contact event organizer Elaine Bresee at 607-434-1930.

Bresee, who is on the group’s Board of Directors, said, “This is one of our main fundraisers. We appreciate the support. We will have a beautiful theater for all to enjoy.”

Go to www.OneontaTheatre.org and Friends of the Oneonta Theatre on Facebook for more information.

that your house is near the highway and your 10-month old is off leash a lot. In that case, I might suggest you install an invisible fence to contain puppy.

Lisa, in my lifetime of training I have never told someone to get an e-collar, read the instructions and use it. When necessary, I’ve said get an e-collar and don’t even open the box until I get there. Then, depending on the sensitivity of the dog and the intensity of the behavior

needed to be altered, I decide between tone, vibe, stim and intensity. A tone may stop the off-leash pug from nibbling on duck poop, but is useless stopping the off-leash predatory lab from going after the skunk or porcupine.

By the time I hand the owner the e-collar, it’s for follow up when necessary.

I’ve already trained the dog to the e-collar.

So, Lisa, if you want to go the e-collar route I’d suggest you get a pro to get you through the first lesson.

When puppy gets within 10 feet of the highway, puppy hears tone (or feels vibration) as a warning, and if continues toward highway feels electric stim. There’s more to it, and it will require constant vigilance with the e-collar at the ready. Will your 10-month old want to chase the deer on the other side of the highway? My suggestion, have the invisible fence installed, it includes training and is safest for an off-leash puppy.

Good luck, The Dog Charmer Tom Shelby, a Cooperstown author, will be answering pet owners questions on training their dogs.

E-mail your questions to dogsrshelby@msn.com.

dAncing Veggie FArm’s 23nd AnnuAl

Garlic Harvest Celebration August 28 And 29 10 Am to 6 pm

organic garlic seedstock and growing tips Follow signs from Fly creek and richfield springs Allen lake road to Ainslie road 315-858-1095

masks required if not vaccinated

Thursday, August 19, 2021

►Thurs., August 19

games with a “National Title Elimination Chopping” game.

There will also be crafters, a car show, vendors, food, tractor displays and much more. At the field, 2 Genesee St. in Cherry Valley. For info: in OtsegO COunty cwatbeau@gmail.com.

CHICKEN DINNER – From 4:30 to 6 p.m. Take-out Brooks chicken dinner: a half chicken, coleslaw, baked potato and a roll. Cost is $12/dinner. Preorders by Wednesday encouraged. At First Baptist Church of Cooperstown, 21 Elm St. in Cooperstown. Contact baptistcooperstown@gmail.com with name, number, quantity.

CONVERSATION – From 7 to 8 p.m. Discuss with library and fellow community members about access and quality of internet in Springfield Community. RSVP required.

At the Springfield Library, 129 County Rte 29A in Springfield Center. Call 315-858-5802.

FIRE PIT FRIDAYS – Fom 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy a fun night around the fire with friends, drinks and music. This week features music from the Grateful Dead, as performed

by Without a Net. At Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Rte 33 in Middlefield. Call 607-280-2900.

CONCERT – At 7:30 p.m.

Concert staging of new opera “Libba: Here This Day,” telling life story of Blues legend Libba Cotten, who grew up in the segregated south, played the banjo and won a Grammy at age 91. Free admission. At the Franklin Stage Company, 25 Institute St. in Franklin. Call 607-829-3700.

CONCERT – At 8 p.m.

Premier performance of “All of Us,” featuring four characters from a dystopian world sharing stories on four separate stages for a roving audience. Each represents a hyperbolized aspect of today’s social struggles. Cost is $5. At Rexmere Park, 159 W. Main St. in Stamford.

OUTDOOR GAMES – From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. See Friday listing.

PADDLE & PULL – From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help remove water chestnut & European frog bit from Silver Lake. Only OCCA watercraft allowed.

Masks, social distancing required.

Bring water, sunscreen, hat and dress to get wet and dirty. Instruction on where to meet provided upon registration. At Silver Lake in Pittsfield. Call 607-547-4488.

TRAIN ROBBERY – 2 p.m.

Get in the spirit of the Old West with a fun train ride, getting stopped unexpectedly for some Wild West action. Features gun fights and explosions, fun for the whole family. Refreshments available. Cost is $22/adult.

Cooperstown Charlotte Valley Railroad, departing from the Milford Depot in Milford. Call 607-432-2429.

LIFESKILLS – From 4 to 6 p.m. Teens are invited to learn to cook with Lynn. Reservations are required. Presented by

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AUTHOR SERIES – At 2 p.m. Join award-winning writer Ralph Wimbish to discuss his latest book “Heroes: Stories of Sports, Courage and Class,” a collection of stories from 40 years in sports journalism, Free, registration for Zoom required. Presented by The Baseball Hall of Fame. Call 607-547-7200.

VACCINE CLINIC – From 2 to 4 p.m. The Dept. of Health is offering free vaccines to people age 12 and older. Get vaccinated and be entered to win a $50 gift card from Brooks BBQ. At Schenevus Central School, 159 Main St. in Schenevus.

Call 800-227-7388.

ILLUSIONIST – At 6 p.m., Leon Etienne will perform jaw-dropping illusions, magic tricks, which have earned him a spot on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and “America’s Got Talent.” Live at the Lake Front Park in Cooperstown.

Visit facebook.com/VillageLib raryofCooperstown/.

►Friday, August 20 LEMONADE – At 10 a.m.

Kindergarteners and families are invited to enjoy a glass of lemonade to celebrate the start of the school year and sign the kids up for their first library card. At the Village Library, 22 Main St. in Cooperstown. Call 607-547-8344.

BOOK CLUB – At 1 p.m.

Discuss the book “This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger.

At the Springfield Library, 129 County Rte 29A in Springfield Center. Call 315-858-5802.

EXHIBIT TOUR – At 2 p.m. Visit Haudenosaunee cultural center and reproduction Mohawk bark house & original Seneca log house for interactive exploration with a museum teacher. Meet at the kiosk. At the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown. Call 607-547-1400.

OUTDOOR GAMES – From 3 to 9 p.m. Lumberjack’s & Lumberjill’s headline the

what’s fun

►Saturday, August 21

The Oneonta Teen Center.

At 50 Dietz St. in Oneonta.

Call 607 441 3999 for more information.

ANNUAL BBQ – 4:30 p.m. Take-out Chicken BBQ to support the Grange Hall Improvement Fund. 1/2 a

chicken, coleslaw, macaroni salad, cupcake, corn on the cob, more. Take-out only, exact change appreciated.

Cost, $12/dinner. Pierstown Grange, 137 Wedderspoon Hollow Rd., Cooperstown.

607-264-3069

Become a volunteer

Be a critical part of the SQSPCA's team by volunteering to make a difference for animals in need.

Opportunities:

Sign up: Susquehanna SPCA 607-547-8111 ext. 111 volunteers@sqspca.org

Cashier (thrift store)* Donation Coordinator (thrift store)* Visitor Experience Coordinator* Pet Food Pantry Coordinator* Cat Care* Dog Care* Cat Socialization Dog Socialization Laundry/General Housekeeping *Indicates priority

Thrift Shop

Different shifts/timeslots available

607-547-9462

Contact us today!

Explore local farms in Schoharie, Otsego, and Delaware Counties!

FAMILY FARM DAY! "6(645 t 10-5 Complete information at

Local Farm & Food Extravaganza!

Visit participating farmers Enjoy demonstrations, tastings, and tour s Purchase fresh SCHOHARIE-OTSEGO-DELAW farm products ARE Stay for the weekend

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Cornell Cooperative Extensio n

www.FamilyFarmDay.org including farm guide and interactive farm map PRINT COPIES AVAILABLE AT participating farms, farmers’ markets, visitor centers, chambers of commerce, libraries, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and Cornell Cooperative Extension offices in all three counties.

Your guide to an adventure!

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