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History OF SARATOGA Thrilling Attractions & Weird Wonders
by Dave Waite | Sponsored byThe Saratoga County History Roundtable
Contact The Saratoga County History Roundtable at: saratogacohistoryroundtable@gmail.com
Dave Waite is a resident of Blue Corners, Saratoga County and has written many articles on upstate New York history. When not researching or playing with his cat Gus, he and his wife Beth seek solitude on remote ponds in the Adirondack wilderness. Dave can be reached at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com
For over 30 years the Forepaugh show performed 250 times or more each year, the majority of the stops a single day offering two full shows. One example of this exhausting schedule was the itinerary for the 1889 season given in their 26th Annual Tour report. That year the season opened in Philadelphia on April 22nd and closed in October at Alliance, Ohio. In between, they had given performances across thirteen states. The nearly 400 performers and workmen would almost daily assemble and disassemble what was nearly a complete village of massive tents to house not only the show but stables, dressing rooms, maintenance shops, cooking tents, and dining halls that covered eight acres of ground. In September of 1890, the Forepaugh show came to Saratoga Springs, one stop in a six-month season that took the performers from Binghamton to Syracuse, Glens Falls, Plattsburg, and numerous other communities across the northeast. 1890 was not the first time this show visited the region. In 1883 & 1888 Forepaugh had also toured upstate New York. The 1883 season also included shows at Albany, Binghamton, Ogdensburg, Buffalo, and on Monday, July 23rd Saratoga Springs, a stop between visits to Fishkill and Fort Edward. In Route Book of the Great Forepaugh Show, Circus Hippodrome and Menagerie: Season 1883 they reported having 478 employees, more than 300 horses, and the show and personnel transported in 64 railway cars. During August of the 1888 season, the show had come through Vermont, dipped south to play Saratoga Springs, and then afterward on to Plattsburgh and the north country. The August 15, 1890 edition of the Mechanicville Mercury carried an advertisement for the Forepaugh show as well as a large article highlighting the upcoming performance titled “A Mammoth Show.” Here the show was proclaimed to be a “novel and dazzling pageant,” that would offer both a Wild West Show depicting Custer’s Last Stand and Eclipse, the flying trapeze horse. The Forepaugh railcars were moved from show to show by as many as five locomotives, often leaving one town after midnight and arriving at their next stop by early the next morning. The first to leave the train were the hundreds of men and boys who would raise the tents, assemble the bleachers and get everything prepared for the show that would start only a few hours later. Once everything was in place, a parade of the hundreds of performers, musicians, animals in cages, and chariots would move through the main streets of the town. Leading the way was a marching band and Adam Forepaugh’s personal carriage pulled by four black horses. This exhibit of all that the show had to offer was free to watch and hundreds, if not thousands would line the route taking in every detail of the exotic scenes and wellrehearsed acts of the showmen.
The two performances each day, starting at 1 and 7 p.m., were the same, the 1889 program giving the opening as an Overture by Prof. Geo. Ganweiler’s Military Band followed by an: Imposing Spectacular Entrée, In Two Rings, on the Central Stage and Hippodrome Track, exhibiting the principal professional features of the Combined Forepaugh and “Wild West” Shows. Realistic illustrations of life in the romantic wild West. Immediately following this were 29 acts both in the air and on the ground, sometimes three performances going on at one time under the main tent. After this was a dozen races that included horses, donkeys, elephants, and men. The show concluded with music and dancing ranging from Irish Reels and bagpipes to cowboy bands and music played on hunting horns. By 1896 the show had a new owner, James A. Bailey, who soon partnered with the Sells Brothers to form the Adam Forepaugh and Sells Brothers Circus. After Bailey’s death in 1905, the Ringling Brothers acquired the circus and continued operation until finally closing the show in 1911.
1889 Forepaugh Show Trade Card Photos provided by The Saratoga County History Roundtable.
Mechanicville Mercury August 15, 1890.
Local Veteran is Welcomed to a New Home
Historic Congress Park Tour Meets Sept. 19
Photo provided.
by Jaynie Ellis Saratoga TODAY
MALTA — Malta Veteran Appreciation Program has dedicated and donated their second house to a deserving local veteran.
On Sunday, Sept. 12, a ceremony and ribbon cutting was held to welcome a local veteran and his family to their new home in Malta Gardens Park. The home, donated by the Solomon Organization, is the second Homes to Heroes project completed by the Malta Veteran Appreciation Program.
The 3 bedroom, 2 full-bath home was fully gutted and remodeled. It now features a modern farmhouse kitchen, ample closet/ storage space, plenty of natural lighting from brand-new windows, and even a small deck off the living room space.
This is the second Homes for Heroes project completed by Malta Veteran Appreciation Program. The first was a tiny home built in the same park and donated two years ago. Local contractors, trade unions, and volunteers donate their labor and materials. You can watch a video of the full remodel process here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v= 0Ey16v9Wdc4&feature=youtu.be.
“We do this to improve the lives of veterans and improve neighborhood,” said Renee Farley, Chairperson, Malta Veteran Appreciation Program. “We are hoping to create a better community and a better park.”
Farley also noted that three local students who volunteered their time have taken an interest in the trades and aspire to attend trade schools; even children as young as six years old were helping with the yard work.
“The military has served us, and now it’s our turn to serve them,” said Farley.”
When the remodel is close to being complete, the Program asks the community for the names of local veterans in need. The two requirements are that they live in Saratoga County and have an honorable DD214 discharge. An appropriate veteran (and family) is picked for the size of the house, but they keep a list of names for future houses.
The Malta Veteran Appreciation Program also provides other charitable support services to veterans in Saratoga County, such as helping them get medical transportation, home repairs, and buying groceries.
Support the Malta Veterans Appreciation Program and help locate our veterans in need by visiting www.maltavets.com or reaching out to MaltaVets@gmail.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — As the summer season comes to an end, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation offers a fall calendar packed with Sunday Strolls, bike tours, and more! Autumn Series events are offered this Sunday through Oct. 24.
On Sunday, Sept. 19, Charlie Kuenzel will explore the historic landscape architecture of Congress Park, share about the history of Saratoga and its springs, and highlight the Canfield Casino. Historic Congress Park tour meets in Congress Park in front of the Canfield Casino at 10:30 a.m.
Additional Autumn Strolls include tours of mail-order houses of the east side on October 3rd, the return of Pups for Preservation on Oct. 17 when dogs and their humans stroll North Broadway, and the Gut neighborhood on Oct. 24.
All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours will be limited to 30 people and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Members who have received complimentary Stroll passes should contact the Foundation directly to reserve their ticket.
In addition to the Autumn Strolls, the Foundation will be offering bike tours of the Saratoga Spa State Park on Sunday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 9. Bike tours last approximately three hours, attendees must bring or rent their bike, and space is limited.
The Foundation is also hosting its popular Twilight Cemetery Tour “Madness, Murder, Untimely Deaths, and Strange Coincidences,” on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. which provides a rare opportunity to explore Greenridge Cemetery at dusk with tour leader Gloria May. Tickets for the Bike Tours and the Twilight Cemetery Tour are $20 for SSPF Members and $25 for non-members.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www. saratogapreservation.org, call 518587-5030, or email Nicole Babie, Membership & Programs Director: nbabie@saratogapreservation.org.
Joseph A. Browne
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joseph A. Browne died September 10, 2021. Calling hours are from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, September 17 at Compassionate Funeral Care followed by a graveside service in St. Agnes Cemetery, 48 Cemetery Ave, Menands, NY following the service at the funeral home. Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com
Donald Chester King
PORTER CORNERS — Donald Chester King passed away suddenly Thursday, September 9. A funeral service was held on Thursday, September 16 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Family and friends gathered to remember him at the funeral home prior to the service. Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com
Kathleen Kerin (Pastore) Miller
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kathleen Kerin (Pastore) Miller, 73, passed away at home surrounded by her family on August 31, 2021. Information on her wonderful life and remote viewing of a Mass of Christian Burial that took place on Saturday, September 11, 2021 is provided at www.rememberingkate.org
Melvin White
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Melvin White, 80, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021 at the VA Medical Center with his family by his side. A funeral service was held Wednesday, September 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Interment followed in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com
Kathleen A. Nokes (Patterson)
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kathleen (Kathy) A. Nokes (Patterson), 72, passed away Thursday, Sept. 9. Calling hours were held on Tuesday, Sept. 14 with a prayer service at Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway. Burial was Thursday, Sept. 16 in the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com Burke & Bussing Burke & Bussing
Funeral Homes Funeral Homes
SARATOGASARATOGA SPRINGSSPRINGS ∙ ∙ 584 584-5373 5373
Patricia Ann Winchell
GREENFIELD CENTER — Patricia Ann Winchell, 82 passed away Wednesday September 1, 2021 at Wesley Health Care Center. She was 82.
A private graveside service was held at the Winchell family plot in Maplewood Cemetery. Memorial donations to the American Cancer Society.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com
Burke & Bussing Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes Funeral Homes
William E. Doyle
WILTON — William E. Doyle died on September 11, 2021, at his home in Wilton in the company of his family. A small, private funeral service will be held. Per his request, in lieu of flowers, send donations to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org) or Planned Parenthood. Online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com
Edith Gleussner
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Edith Gleussner, beloved mother of Bill and Margaret, grandmother of Adam, Andrea, and Katherine, great-grandmother of James and Simon, and foster mother of 27 children who needed her love and nurturing in difficult times, passed away on September 14, 2021 at the Washington Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Argyle, NY.
Edith was born in September of 1935 in Germany. She was the middle child of 11 raised by Richard and Emily (Tews) Foerster. Her early childhood was marked by the disruption and horror of war.
At the age of 20 she emigrated to Montreal, Canada, where she met, fell in love with, and married Fritz Gleussner. There they enjoyed rowing in the Montreal Rowing Club. They then moved to Brooklyn, NY where they both worked for the Brooklyn Catholic Archdiocese. They then worked for the owners of the Fluor Engineering and Construction Company in California as a husband and wife team managing the family household and helping to raise their children.
In the early 1960’s they moved to Morris, NY to own and operate their family farm. Edith’s parents and many of her brothers and sisters and their families later joined them in Morris.
Edith and Fritz welcomed many
Kenneth A. Fish
GREENWICH — Kenneth A. Fish, 68, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at his home with his family by his side. A private graveside service was held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Notre Dame Cemetery, 115 Burgoyne Rd. in Schuylerville. For online condolences, please visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com
in need, becoming foster parents, starting in 1976. Edith continued raising her two children and foster children following Fritz’ untimely death in 1978.
In 1982 Edith worked for Mirabito Fuel as a cashier, and in 1983 she began 25 years’ working as a cashier in the Oneonta State College food services. Upon retirement, Edith moved to Saratoga Springs to be near her daughter, later moving in with her family following the birth of Edith’s youngest granddaughter.
Most recently Edith lived at the Washington Center, where wonderful caregivers knew her for her sweetness and humor.
Edith’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren as they grew and matured. First with Adam and Andrea in New York and Ohio, and later living with granddaughter Katie in New York.
Edith loved and was known for her beautiful flower gardens.
She is predeceased by her parents and siblings Erika Klabisch, Hans Foerster, Gerda Riebel, Gunther Foerster, Heinz Foerster, Manfred Foerster and Helgia Foerster. She is survived by siblings Winfried Foerster, Brigitte Holik and Renate Foerster, son Bill (and wife Marsha) with grandson Adam (and wife Niki) and their two children James and Simon, granddaughter Andrea (and husband Chris Colaluca), and daughter Margaret (and husband John) and granddaughter Katherine, and also many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 18 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hillington Cemetery in Morris, NY.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing& Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-5845373). Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com
COURT
Thomas J. Dingmon, 30, of
Saratoga Springs, pleaded
Sept. 8 to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth-degree.
Sentencing Nov. 10.
Joseph H. Labia, 48, of Elmont, pleaded Sept. 9 to aggravated family offense felony, in Mechanicville. Sentencing
Nov. 18.
Daniel J. Green, 25, of Catskill, pleaded Sept. 9 to criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, a felony, in
Saratoga Springs. Sentencing
Dec. 16.
Jonathan H. Fajans, 20, of
Galway, pleaded Sept. 9 to criminal sexual act in the first-degree, a felony., in connection with an alleged incident December 2020.
Sentencing Nov. 12.
POLICE
Joseph Nocian, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 6 with assault in the seconddegree, criminal possession of a weapon – both felonies, and misdemeanor menacing.
Christopher Brooks, 40, of Amsterdam, was charged Sept. 8 in Saratoga Springs with menacing, a misdemeanor, and criminal possession of a weapon, a felony.
Thomas McCall, 32, of Saratoga
Springs, was charged Sept. 8 with criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Patrick Weatherwax, 27, of
Ballston Spa, was charged
Sept. 8 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and following too closely.
Madison McCoy, 21, of
Mechanicville, was charged
Sept. 8 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, speeding, and failure to keep right.
Tyler Jackson, 29, of Queensbury, was charged Sept. 8 in
Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation, and two vehicle certificate violations.
Henry Ciccone, 46, of Saratoga
Springs, was charged Sept. 9 with felony assault, and the misdemeanors: criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful imprisonment, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Axel Dominguez, 19, of Saratoga
Springs, was charged Sept. 9 with felony grand larceny.
Jordan Hensleigh, 30, of Ballston
Spa, was charged Sept. 10 in
Saratoga Springs with criminal impersonation, and criminal contempt. Both charges are misdemeanors.
Linda L. Nevins, 71, of South
Glens Falls, was charged
Sept. 9 with leaving the scene of a personal injury auto accident - a felony, in connection with an alleged incident that occurred at about 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 8 on Route 9 in the
Town of Moreau. According to the Saratoga County
Sheriff’s Office, the offending vehicle fled the scene, and the victim suffered serious injury and was brought to Albany
Medical Center for further treatment.
Adam O’Brien, 36, of Saratoga
Springs, was charged
Sept. 3 with criminal mischief, assault, and criminal obstruction of breathing – all misdemeanors.
Axel Dominguez, 19, of Saratoga
Springs, was charged Sept. 1 with reckless driving – a misdemeanor, and four driving related violations. James Monaco, 23, of Staten
Island, was charged Sept. 4 in Saratoga Springs with obstructing a governmental administration.
Kelli Brissette, 39, of Gansevoort, was charged Sept. 4 in
Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, misdemeanor aggravated DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and failure to use designated lane.
Andrew Keefer, 33, of Greenfield Center, was charged Sept. 4 in Saratoga Springs with disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest – a misdemeanor.
Margaret Camejo, 40, of Folsom,
Louisiana, was charged Sept. 4 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, one misdemeanor and one felony count aggravated DWI, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.
William Mavrides, 33, of Cohoes, was charged Sept. 5 in Saratoga Springs with disorderly conduct, and criminal possession of a controlled substance – a misdemeanor.
Jacqua Casey, 23, of Albany, was charged Sept. 5 in Saratoga Springs with speeding, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle – a misdemeanor.
Essence Boyd, 21, of Albany, was charged Sept. 5 in Saratoga
Springs with disorderly conduct, and harassment.
Christopher Kiefer, 54, of
Saratoga Springs, was charged
Sept. 6 with misdemeanor
DWI, refusal to take a breath test, and three driving/ vehicle related violations.
Scott Dillon, 23, of Dunstable, Massachusetts, was charged Sept. 6 in Saratoga Springs with felony criminal mischief.
Marian McCaskill, 48, of Saratoga
Springs, was charged Sept. 6 with criminal contempt – a misdemeanor.
Ali David, 38, of the Bronx, was charged Sept. 7 in Saratoga
Springs with misdemeanor
DWI, misdemeanor aggravated DWI, and a speeding violation.
On Sept. 7, 2021, the New York
State Police in Wilton arrested 29-year-old Jonathan J. Maye, 29, of Gansevoort, was charged
Sept. 7 with criminal contempt felony, criminal mischief misdemeanor, and harassment violation, in connection with an incident in Wilton.
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It’s That Time of Year: The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is Almost Upon Us
by Blue Chip Financial for Saratoga TODAY
It’s almost that magical time of year again, when seemingly every second or third commercial on television is for Medicare health insurance. That time of year when retired football players and B-list actors take to the airwaves to beseech you to call a national 1-800 number to discuss important health and financial decisions with someone you’ll never meet and never speak with again. Yes, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period—with all its conflicting messages and confusion—is almost upon us.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period occurs each year between October 15 and December 7 and any change made during this period is effective on January 1. This is an important time of year for Medicare beneficiaries because most Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans evolve from year to year. These changes are communicated to plan members around this time of year, and this is the most common time someone may switch plans to find something more suitable.
But with so many advertisements and confusion, how can you cut through the noise to find the plan that is right for you? We believe that using a local broker with access to numerous insurers can help to match you with the Medicare plan that best suits your needs. The key, however, is finding a broker that is impartial and has contracts with many plans in the marketplace. Additionally, a good broker seeks to build long-term relationships with clients and guides them when updating plans for changing needs.
Given the health and financial implications of making Medicare changes during the Annual Enrollment Period, these decisions are too important to be left to guesswork and slick advertising. Instead, we believe that everyone should have access to a trusted local broker who is impartial, service-oriented and supportive of your needs. To see if consulting a local health insurance broker can assist you in making better Medicare decisions, please call Bruce or Logan at Blue Chip in Saratoga at 518-584-8057 or visit www.1bluechip.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The annual Saratoga International Flavorfeast, slated this year to take place in October, has been postponed and rescheduled to take place October 8, 2022.
“As you know, Saratoga International Flavorfeast couldn’t go on last year due to COVID19, and as we approached this year, we thought it might be doable,” said event co-organizer Fran Dingeman, in a statement. “Unfortunately, in light of the recent increase in cases, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event and look to a brighter and safer 2022.”
For more information on how to participate in the 2022 event as a sponsor, restaurateur, retailer, or entertainer, visit www. saratogaflavorfeast.com or call 518-365-3459
9th Annual Fundraising Campaign ‘Pink Bows on Broadway 2021’ Supports Floydwarriors.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Floydwarriors.com, Inc. ‘Helping Families Cope with Cancer, One Household at a Time” is currently selling pink satin tribute bows for its 8th Annual ‘Pink Bows on Broadway’ Campaign. This only annual fundraising drive by floydwarriors.com, gives individuals ($50 donation) and businesses ($250 donation) the opportunity to recognize heroes who have battled cancer or fought alongside someone who has. Three very special “Main Event Sponsorships” ($1,500) are open, as well.
All pink bows will be prominently displayed on Broadway in Saratoga Springs THROUGH October. Each bow is accompanied by a tribute card that allows the sponsor to celebrate individual heroes including survivors, lost loved ones, physicians, fundraising warriors, special caregivers, family/friends, and any other person that deserves recognition for their involvement in the war against cancer.
All proceeds from the campaign will benefit floydwarriors. com, a 501 (C3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide real help in the home for families undergoing cancer treatment mainly by the way of meals, cleanings and support of childcare. Floydwarriors.com started in 2010 and for the past 9 years delivered its mission, “Dinner is Done, Dishes are Clean, and The Kids are OK!”
All sponsorships are due by Sept. 25. To purchase a bow online visit Eventbrite’s (URL) campaign or visit www.floydwarriors.com.
