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THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ MANAGING EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee

MAGAZINE DESIGNER Kacie Cotter-Sacala

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Kelsey Sherman

ADVERTISING Jim Daley Cindy Durfey

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Samantha Bosshart Peter Bowden Colleen Coleman Thomas Dimopoulos Carol Godette John R. Greenwood Himanee Gupta Ann Hauprich Wendy Hobday Haugh Sara Kelly Charlie Kuenzel Michael Todd Landis, Ph.D. Bill Orzell Colleen Pausley Megin Potter John Reardon JIm Richmond Ralph Vincent Rena Wise Diane Whitten

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Erin Baiano Susan Blackburn Photography George S. Bolster Collection Peter Bowden Mitch Cohen Francesco D'Amico Pattie Garrett Paul Kolnik Shawn LaChapelle Photography NYRA Randall Perry Photography Susie Raisher Todd Rosenberg Photography Super Source Media

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SARATOGA TODAY 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-581-2480 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com SimplySaratoga.com Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing 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 © 2022. Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.

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from the editor Chris Vallone Bushee, Creative Director/ Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com • 518-581-2480 ext. 201 SimplySaratoga.com • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Welcome… & Happy Summer!

Whether you’re here for vacation or are lucky enough to live here…

You’re in for a wonderful time!

We know why you’re here (The Track, SPAC, Downtown!!) so I feel it’s my job to take you “behind the scenes” a bit and show you around (the ART on page 14 is a wonderful intro!), and since we all know every good day starts with BRUNCH, don’t miss page 18.

In addition to what’s new at the track, and who’s at SPAC, there are people I want you to meet and stories I want to tell you. And did I mention… parks for the kids, museum quality paintings at a local restaurant and tons of fashion and shopping options?! I love this issue – this is such a fun town – and I hope its personality comes alive on these pages!

If you didn’t already know this, Saratoga is the “City in the Country” and I love taking you outside city limits to explore the surrounding countryside. In this issue we visit Hudson Falls, a charming little town about 35 minutes northeast of here. You’re a foodie who wants to check out a gallery? – Yes, head to Hudson Falls! You’re going to love what’s happening up there!

As always, THANK YOU! to our advertisers for helping us provide this beautiful magazine – free of charge. Saratoga TODAY was built on the premise of being able to provide local news - for free - and we couldn’t print our publications without our advertisers, so please mention us by name when supporting them… Simply Saratoga, the Saratoga TODAY magazine.

• Chris

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Simply Saratoga Saratoga Bride Saratoga Family Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Welcome Home Saratoga Christmas and...

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COVER PHOTOS: (clockwise) Cheryl Chalmers Photo provided

While in Saratoga - don’t pass up any opportunities to hang on a porch… visiting, reading, or napping… the porch is where it’s at! Happy Summer!

SPAC Photo by Erin Baiano SHAC Photo by Kendall McKernon Saratoga Race Course Photo courtesy of NYRA

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contributors Search for them on SimplySaratoga.com!

SAMANTHA BOSSHART Samantha Bosshart joined the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation in 2008. As Executive Director, she advocates for the preservation of the unique architecture and rich heritage of Saratoga Springs. Samantha previously worked at Historic Albany Foundation and Galveston Historical Foundation. Samantha completed her coursework for a Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University and received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Indiana University.

PETER BOWDEN Peter has been the region's go-to garden guy for over 35 years. His knack for practical and concise explanations has served him well during his 20-year tenure as WRGB’s garden guy. He is an artist and avid photographer whose images have appeared in textbooks, magazines and travel guides. Peter lives with his wife, Sharon and their pets in an old house in the country.

COLLEEN COLEMAN Colleen Coleman is the owner of CMC Design Studio LLC and is well noted by her clients for bringing high energy, attention to detail, organization and more to each project. Her collaborative efforts with clients, as well as others in the industry, translates to a comprehensive design to completion for her clients. Her unique approach to defining each space matured into what she has coined as “Creating Environments for Life” - reach her at colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net.

JOHN GREENWOOD John Greenwood is a leftover Saratoga Springs milkman who loves capturing stories about the people and places that surround him.

John and his wife Patricia have been holding hands since high school. The couple recently retired and are looking forward to having more time to enjoy the nooks and crannies of the surrounding area.

You can explore more of John’s writing at rainingiguanas.com, where you will find the glass half full and the weather mostly sunny.

CAROL GODETTE Born and raised in Saratoga Springs, Carol Godette’s fascination with neighborhood stores began at age 11 when she frequented Rowland’s. A passionate educator, Godette taught elementary school in the Saratoga School District for 31 years. Carol is a co-owner of the local Ben & Jerry’s franchise. Godette and her husband live in her childhood home where they raised their two children. She welcomes your comments and stories/photos on neighborhood stores via email: saratoganeighborhoodstores@gmail.com ANN HAUPRICH Memories of huddling with friends and strangers outside the Front Street Post Office in Ballston Spa on a crisp autumn evening in 1972 to witness the filming of a scene for The Way We Were inspired Ann Hauprich to interview others about their recollections for a feature that begins in this edition. The BSHS Class of 1971 alum has also started researching chapters for a seventh book that will celebrate the exquisite renaissance that has taken place in her village over the past half century.

To learn more about the seasoned journalist, visit AnnHauprich.US. WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH Northville freelancer Wendy Hobday Haugh’s short stories, articles, and poetry have appeared in dozens of national and regional publications, including Woman’s World Weekly, Highlights for Children, and WritersWeekly.com. Her stories have appeared in 15 different Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. To learn more, visit wendyhobdayhaugh.com.

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CHARLIE KUENZEL Charlie Kuenzel is a native Saratogian who spent 36 years as a Science educator in the Saratoga School District before retiring 6 years ago. Charlie, along with Dave Patterson are the co-owners of Saratoga Tours LLC who for the past 16 years have educated and entertained thousands of visitors to the city with stories to tell the exciting history of our great city.

SARA KELLY Sara Kelly is CEO-MOM of her home in Wilton and runs Your Aligned Home, a home management consulting business. Her passion for home management, reducing stress, and most of all, helping others, is what led her to this work. Find out all the ways she can help you at YourAlignedHome.com. Submit your home management questions for the next article under the ‘Contact Me’ link on Sara's website.

BILL ORZELL Bill Orzell is a retired Geographic Field Analyst and Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic. A fervent sportsman, who resides in DeRuyter, New York, he has a lifelong appreciation of the economic, political, social, and sports history of the Empire State, with a special appreciation of the unique equine, human and geographic narrative which defines the Spa as the place to be.

COLLEEN PAUSLEY Colleen Pausley is the writer behind the blog; Life on Kaydeross Creek where she shares unique ideas to decorate your home on a budget, D.I.Y projects, furniture makeovers and thrift store up-cycles. She and her husband have been do-it-yourselfers for 25 years and she believes that creating a warm, inviting home that you LOVE and that reflects who you are can be done on any budget.

MEGIN POTTER Megin is an expressive writer and artist with work published in books, newspapers, corporate communications and online. A resident of the region for over 20 years, she continues to discover anew the interesting people, places and products it has to offer. As a mother to her active young son, she is inspired to explore even more.

JOHN REARDON John Reardon purchased Compliments to the Chef in July of 2004 and has enjoyed selling over 6,000 high quality cookware and cutlery items to his Foodie Friends ever since. His wife Paula - as well as being a college professor - helps out along with their son John and daughter Aubrey … and they fit right in to his Foodie Team! If you ask John or Aubrey to cook up a special dish, you’ll see a gleam in their eyes! John reminds us...

“Life Happens in the Kitchen” and yes… “Anyone can cook!”

DIANE WHITTEN Diane Whitten is a food and nutrition educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County where she has worked for the past 20 years.

Her classes focus on healthy eating and cooking, plus food preservation.

Her nutrition radio spots can be heard on STAR Radio. Diane has a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University and a masters’ degree in Education from the College of St. Rose.

RENA WISE Rena Wise is a Saratoga local, currently pursuing a public relations degree with a minor in writing and rhetoric at James Madison University. She is currently an account associate for her University’s student run PR firm, Bluestone Communications, where she has created engaging content for clients in Harrisonburg VA. You can find Rena working her summer job at Violet’s of Saratoga where she has published various blog posts and contributed to their website design.

RALPH VINCENT Ralph Vincent is a lifestyle writer enamored with the Spa City. As an enthusiastic contributor to Simply Saratoga Magazine, he enjoys writing about a variety of topics including home entertaining, cooking, and cocktail crafting. His body of work also includes articles on subjects of special significance to him such as his experiences as a pet parent, gardening, and Yaddo. He resides locally with his partner Steven and their adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

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contents Simply...

Simply ...

WELCOME TO SARATOGA!

SARATOGA Summer 2022

14

Artist Spotlight: Cheryl Chalmers

18

Let’s Do Brunch!

20

Saying Goodbye to Hud Armstrong

22

The Track… Better than Ever!

OUT + ABOUT

28

“The Kid” Gets a New Home at After the Races

30

Anniversaries Abound Downtown – Stop and Say Congrats!

88

Car Shows, Restoration, and Father & Son Bonding… A Real Classic!

90

Sandy Hill Arts Center (The SOHO of Hudson Falls)

92

Northville Rotary’s 13th Annual Woodworking & Fine Arts Weekend

94

Go Fishing

96

Park & Playground Guide

98

Books, Books, Books

• Compliments to the Chef turns 20 • Celtic Treasures turns 30 • deJonghe Original Jewelry turns 40 34

Saratoga Farmers’ Market

39

SPAC is Back!

A GOOD READ 46

Skidmore College + Saratoga County History Center Present…

48

Preserving Saratoga

52

The Way We Were (Yes, the one with Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand!)

56

Saratoga Spa State Park

60

Meet… Sid Gordon

62

Saving Brookside Museum

66 70

Remember... Porch time!

:)

H&G 103

Architecturally Speaking

116

Colleen’s Pics

120

Life on Kaydeross Creek

122

Home Management

124

In the Kitchen with John

Benedict Arnold

126

Entertaining with Ralph Vincent

Whitehouse Art (…and food, drinks, and great service!)

128

Peter Bowden

HISTORY FASHION 75

Impressions of Saratoga, The Dark Horse Mercantile, Pink Paddock, Spoken Boutique, Violet’s Saratoga Springs, Silverwood Home & Gallery, Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, Union Hall Supply Co. Violet’s Saratoga Springs

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131

Charlie Kuenzel

134

Rarely Seen Photos of Saratoga

136

Carol Godette

140

Bill Orzell

142

John Greenwood saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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drinking it in Cheryl Chalmers with

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Artist Spotlight WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER ARTWORK BY CHERYL CHALMERS, PHOTOS PROVIDED

Cheryl Chalmers’ first love was ballet.

As a girl growing up in California, moving to New York City to dance professionally was an exciting opportunity.

After a few years, however, Cheryl decided it was more practical to become an artist.

THE BIRTH OF AN ILLUSTRATOR As a student at Parson’s School of Design, Cheryl dove into pursuing her passion for watercolors.

“Watercolors capture the strong golden light and the transparent washes just seem to call to me,” she said.

Her detailed approach and realistic style were perfectly suited to those of a professional illustrator and her career began to flourish.

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BOOSTING THE JUICE Cheryl became an accomplished artist producing paintings for renowned publishers including Scholastic Inc, Random House, and The Penguin Group.

She has been included in “Splash: The Best of American Watercolor” series for four years, and corporations such as Nabisco, Schweppes, and American Express have commissioned her pieces.

After taking 10 years off to raise her three children, Cheryl’s move upstate transformed her paintings’ subject matter.

“Living in the Finger Lakes, I was so inspired by the water and the light. It’s so beautiful and lends itself well to the medium,” she said.

the horses. Her gorgeous compositions are more than simple reproductions of their source images, they are a mesmerizing expression of elegance.

They are a fresh take on equine art brimming with movement and energy.

Her paintings have been displayed at the National Museum of Racing, her piece “Horsepower,” completed in 2016, was displayed at the Savory Pantry, and prints were sold at the annual Hats Off to Saratoga Festival.

In addition to prints, her work appears on mugs, scarves, ornaments and more. Northshire Bookstore also carries a selection of Cheryl Chalmers products. Find them online on Amazon, her Etsy shop, and website. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @CherylChalmersArt SS

WHERE LESS IS MORE Cheryl became an unofficial artistin-residence for the nearby Cornell University. They commissioned her artwork for brochures and other publications, their capital campaigns, and as gifts.

To adhere to tight deadlines, Cheryl also developed a unique take on portraits. By focusing on shadow and line to highlight the essential aspects of the figure, they look as if they are floating on the page.

“By eliminating what’s not really needed and honing it down, I find less is more,” she said.

A DAY IN THE LIFE Now, her typical day starts with coffee on the deck of the lake house Cheryl shares with her husband before heading down to her basement studio.

The space is white and brightened from light streaming in from the windows that lookout onto the water.

While she’s working on commissions (that take as long as a month to finish) the sounds of everything from opera to rock can be heard playing in the background.

For a nice getaway, the couple likes to come to Saratoga in the summertime.

“I just fell in love with it, it’s such a beautiful little spot,” she said.

EXPRESSIVE ELEMENTS Cheryl’s paintings of Saratoga are ones that she’s completed in her free time, just for the pleasure of it.

While in town, she takes hundreds of photos of the landscape, its buildings, and saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Sweet Mimi’s

from Scratch INSIGHT FROM JEANNETTE LEIBERS AS TOLD TO RENA WISE ABOUT THE INS AND OUTS OF STARTING A CAFÉ IN DOWNTOWN SARATOGA SPRINGS. HOW SHE DEVELOPED TODAY’S HOT TICKET BRUNCH SPOT. PHOTO PROVIDED

Developing a small business in Saratoga Springs is no easy task. Sweet Mimi’s chef and owner, Jeannette Leibers, met with me to discuss the grit, drive, and hustle it takes to make your dreams come true.

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At the age of 28, Leibers left the business world to further her education in culinary arts. Since her childhood, she has longed to open a restaurant and it was finally time to put the plan into focus. She pressed pause to watch her three beautiful children grow up and enjoyed experimenting with recipes, creating beautiful meals and baked goods to share. After she laid eyes on the historic 47 Phila Street location, she knew this would someday be her own.

“I always wanted to be home by five o’clock to have dinner with the kids, so I decided to go totally out of my comfort zone and do breakfast.” Sitting on the back patio of 47 Phila Street, which was, at the time a café called Beverly’s, she knew right then that it was going to be hers one day. “This was the space I wanted; this is the space that would only ever work for me, someday I want this space!” A place that dates back 100 years, solely owned by strong businesswoman.

After many years of baking for elementary classrooms and neighbors on the block, there was word that Beverly’s was closing their doors. A fire was lit inside Leibers that day, and she began her mission. She wrote up her business plan and went to work. “I just kept at it! I delivered them a big basket of muffins and scones and said can you please consider me. I told them the story of how I sat in this space ten years ago and dreamed of opening Sweet Mimi’s.”

Her determination and hustle got her what she wanted.

47 Phila was now hers and it was time for stage two.

One of the hardest aspects of opening a business was figuring out where to begin. She knew that financial backing was

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needed from a bank to begin renovations but had no idea about the required permits and regulations for construction on historic buildings.” There were no instructions because everything that you do, whether it is construction, putting up an awning, turning the electric on, there’s a process that you must follow.” This was a hard obstacle to face alone.

While the space was being transformed, Leibers was busy working to create her special menu. The meals she serves to the community are her family favorites. “The kids and I sat around the kitchen table to write it. The menu was most of what the kids grew up eating, and they would say oh mom you can’t do that, but you must do this! The menu has a lot to do with the children.”

Aside from the stress, nerves, and excitement of opening the doors of Sweet Mimi’s, Leibers was overjoyed by the support she received from her family. Going from a stay-athome mom to a full-time chef was a big transition. “I had no idea that the first couple of months at the café I was going to be there for about 100 hours a week!” The three kids took shifts where help was needed and developed a program to bring left over food to Shelters of Saratoga.

Dreams are full of excitement; Leibers has proved that the only way to achieve those dreams is to have grit and determination. Saratoga is full of small business owners, most of them family run. Sweet Mimi’s… founded on family, community, and a love for the city, was an impactful addition to Saratoga. Jeannette Leibers has proven her place and is now another successful café owner of 47 Phila Street. SS

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Gone but Never Forgotten

HUD ARMSTRONG

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY THOMAS DIMOPOULOS ARTWORK BY HUDSON ARMSTRONG, PHOTOGRAPHED BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM

S

aratoga was largely a black-and-white world until Hud Armstrong came by and infused it with vivid colors.

“It was back in the ‘50s and we were living in South Glens Falls,” he remembered during a recent sidewalk conversation that took place on Broadway, or on Caroline Street, or atop any one of the downtown city sidewalks where Hud shared his stories with anybody who would ask.

Despite that more than a halfcentury had gone by since his first visit to the Spa City, he could effortlessly recall the first time he laid eyes on the place that would become home.

“We would drive down Route 9, turn onto North Broadway where the arterial is, and come right into town. This was back when the Grand Union Hotel was still was there. I remember those huge hotels. And the big mansion that stood right on the corner next to the firehouse,” he said. “I took one look and went…Wow.”

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Hudson “Hud” Armstrong, longtime city resident, bartender, illustrator, passed away on May 11. He is survived by his family, including brothers Stuart and Don. He started drawing at the age of four while listening to the radio because he wanted to see what things looked like. In the 1960s, he celebrated his 21st birthday by completing basic training, then going to see the company commander who would decide his next move.

“He looked over my file and saw I had a background in art. I don't know what it was about my dossier, but something in there made him think, 'Hey, this guy will be really good in amphibians!' So off I went for amphibian training and ended up being sent to Qui Nhon,” he remembered of his time on the Vietnam coast, south of Da Nang.

He returned from a military tour of duty in Vietnam in 1968, settled down in Saratoga Springs and began mixing cocktails at a variety of city taverns, and illustrating a number of works – twin vocations in which he would be involved for all his days. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Today his work graces the walls of the council’s chambers at City Hall – painted in 1974, and the Tin & Lint.

The bright hues of his imagination are emblazoned across the annual Chowderfest t-shirts, depicting happy childhood faces and local scenes brought to life.

In 2021 he published an art book, “Booker D and the NGs,” culled from his 300 pages of illustrations and accompanying texts he created over a 15-year period. A mural of massive proportions hangs in the lobby of the Mabee Building that depicts contemporary people done up in a 19th century style at the old Saratoga train station. The mural measures 19 feet long, features 237 different Saratogians, and five dogs.

And although he is now gone, the people he touched with his stories, the vivid murals he created that grace the buildings of this city, and the poignant cartoons he invented will continue to exist for anyone who passes this way and is willing to experience them.

“The city has grown and…there are growing pains, but I have to remind people that a lot of these new buildings they see were built on vacant lots. Houses weren’t torn down. We had a lot of vacant lots,” Hud recalled during one random sidewalk conversation during the summer of 2017.

“When the Tin & Lint opened, I remember sitting in there and having conversations with people who would say, ‘Why would you want to move here? There are so many businesses that are boarded-up. It’s falling down.’ And we said: no, it’s all open. It’s ready to start all over again. That’s why I’ve stayed around,” he said. “And it’s been phenomenal to watch.”

A mural of massive proportions hangs in the lobby of the Mabee Building that depicts contemporary people done up in a 19th century style at the old Saratoga train station. The mural measures 19 feet long, features 237 different Saratogians, and five dogs. Check out SimplySaratoga.com to see if you made it. SS

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NYRA Introduces Something New in

...

Breakfast & Breeding

FARM TOUR PHOTOS COURTESY OF NYRA

Old Tavern Farm

Together with the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), Tours are offered every Friday, beginning July 15, and will accommodate up to 40 guests.

The all-inclusive fan experience package features: • Buffet breakfast at Saratoga Race Course • Opportunity to watch World-Class Thoroughbreds during morning training • Round-trip, open-air trolley ride from Saratoga Race Course to Old Tavern Farm • 90-minute guided walking tour of an active Thoroughbred breeding farm • Admission to Saratoga Race Course 22 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2022

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The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm package is available for $55 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis for each weekly Friday tour, beginning July 15.

Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.

“The inaugural Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm package is an exciting behind-the-scenes opportunity for visitors to Saratoga to experience a different aspect of the sport,” said NYRA Vice President of Communications Pat McKenna. “To be able to combine morning training with a visit to a breeding farm followed by an afternoon at the races is a trifecta fans won’t want to miss.”

The package begins with Breakfast at Saratoga, featuring a buffet breakfast at Saratoga Race Course between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. with a backdrop of World-Class Thoroughbreds participating in morning training. Guests can arrive at any time for breakfast during these hours.

Following the conclusion of breakfast at 9:30 a.m., fans will board an open-air trolley, courtesy of CDTA, at the clubhouse entrance and embark on a 15-minute ride along picturesque Saratoga Lake to Old Tavern Farm for a 90-minute experiential and educational walking tour of one of the region’s premier breeding farms. Fans will arrive back at Saratoga Race Course at approximately 11:45 a.m., well in advance of post time for the start of racing at approximately 1 p.m.

Established in 2016 by Walt and Michelle Borisenok, Old Tavern Farm is a private boutique Thoroughbredbreeding operation in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Located just minutes from historic Saratoga Race Course, Old Tavern Farm has been developed into a state-ofthe-art facility focused on the breeding and sale of Thoroughbreds to compete at the highest levels of the sport. The name Old Tavern was derived from the 19th century tavern that once graced the property.

“We are honored to be part of this exciting new initiative in partnership with NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Breeders and CDTA,” said Old Tavern Farm founder and owner Walt Borisenok. “We hope those who take advantage of this opportunity may become lifelong fans of the sport while others may gain a greater appreciation for how Thoroughbred racing supports our local economy. And we hope all will simply enjoy the chance to see these remarkable animals at their earliest stages of life on a working breeding farm.”

The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tour is presented by CDTA. In addition to transporting guests to and from Old Tavern Farm aboard a classic, open-air trolley, CDTA is the presenting sponsor of Breakfast at Saratoga, which is offered daily at Saratoga Race Course from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (excludes Runhappy Travers Day).

For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com/Saratoga. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES

TO RETURN TO SARATOGA RACE COURSE

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The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will return to Saratoga Race Course this summer beginning Wednesday, August 10, with special appearances planned for several days through Sunday, August 14.

"Like Saratoga Race Course, the Budweiser Clydesdales are part of the fabric of American history," said Don Scott, NYRA Vice President of Marketing. "The Clydesdales resonate with all those who have had the fortune to witness them in person or on television and it's a privilege to be able to welcome them back to Saratoga this summer."

The Clydesdales’ lineage dates back more than three centuries when the breed was first developed for farm work in the region of Clydesdale, Scotland. The horses were first introduced to the American public by Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Budweiser, on April 7, 1933, to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition.

Nearly 90 years later, the celebrity horses are staples of fairs, festivals and sporting events. Most notably, the Clydesdales have marched in two Presidential inauguration parades.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to bring the Budweiser Clydesdales back to Saratoga this year,” said Jeff Vukelic, Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service CEO and President. “We can’t wait to celebrate the summer and the 2022 meet at Saratoga Race Course with these American icons — and, of course, America’s favorite beer.”

Additional scheduling details for the Budweiser Clydesdales at Saratoga Race Course will be announced in the coming weeks.

Highlighted by the 153rd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on August 27 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 6, the 2022 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will open on Thursday, July 14, and continue through Monday, September 5.

Following the four-day opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com/Saratoga. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Newly renovated

POST BAR AND PADDOCK SUITE TO DEBUT AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE FOR 2022 MEET PHOTOS COURTESY OF NYRA

The Paddock Suite will sit above the newly renovated Post Bar, which will remain an open-air structure featuring a central bar and large-scale televisions. The Post Bar, one of the most popular destinations for fans at Saratoga, will continue to be accessible to all guests, ages 21 and over.

"We are thrilled to announce this newest capital improvement project which we anticipate will be very well received by fans attending Saratoga this summer,” said NYRA Vice President, Sales and Hospitality, Kevin Quinn. “The renovated Post Bar and newly constructed Paddock Suite follows on the heels of last year’s additions, the Spa Verandas and Tailgate at the Turn.

These improvements are designed to offer our fans the best in modern amenities while preserving the charm and history that sets Saratoga apart as a sports and entertainment venue.”

For images of inside the newly renovated Post Bar and Paddock Suite visit: NYRA.com/PostBarAndPaddockSuite

As part of a continuing series of capital improvements at Saratoga Race Course the Post Bar and Paddock Suite will be a new, permanent two-story structure that will replace and enhance the original Post Bar, a popular single-story, open air gathering spot for racing fans that had been located beneath a temporary canopy.

The second story Paddock Suite will feature a climatecontrolled bar, lounge and outdoor balcony with sweeping views of the historic Saratoga paddock where fans can watch the sport’s finest Thoroughbreds parade beneath them. The Paddock Suite will be available to groups and individuals by reservation.

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The second floor Paddock Suite can accommodate as many as 80 guests. Rental packages will be sold to groups on a full or partial basis. Subject to availability, individual reservations will also be accepted.

Rental includes admission, choice of food platters, non-alcoholic beverages, coffee and tea, tax, gratuity and race program. Open bar packages are also available for purchase.

For reservations, contacte the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or email eventsales@nyrainc.com.

The Post Bar and Paddock Suite are located adjacent to Shake Shack, which is operated by Union Square Hospitality Group.

The 2022 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course will begin on Thursday, July 14 and conclude on Monday, Sept. 5. Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of opening week and the final week when the meet concludes on Labor Day. For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com/Saratoga. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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SUMMER 2022 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 27

FRIENDS, GRASS, & GIRLS An extraordinary horse’s extravagant retirement WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED UNLESS NOTED

After the Races NY, Inc., a local non-profit Thoroughbred retirement program located on Swedish Hill Farm, owned by Anna Hollander, is now housing a very famous horse named Extravagant Kid. Bred in Florida by Vicino Racing Stables to mare Pretty Extravagant and multiple graded stakes winner Kiss Me Kid, Extravagant Kid won his first two stakes races in 2017.

When David Ross (of DARRS,Inc) saw Extravagant Kid in January 2018, he told his Racing Manager of 15 years, James Bredin, that he wanted the horse despite his odds that day being 20/1. He claimed Extravagant Kid for $75,000.

“It didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me at the time but obviously, it worked out great,” said Bredin.

The gelding, trained by Brendan Walsh, went on to earn $1,704,683, in 56 starts; with 15 wins, 18 runner-up finishes, and seven thirds.

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AN OUTSTANDING CAREER

By Aug. 31, 2018, Extravagant Kid won a half-length victory at the Lucky Coin Stakes in Saratoga. He also racked up races at the prestigious Breeders Cup, the Ascot in England, and was the winner of 2021 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai.

On February 2, 2022, Extravagant Kid ran a disappointing race, finishing sixth at Florida’s Gulfstream Park. His team immediately investigated and found that there were some mild problems; minor changes to his knees and the beginnings of a bone spur developing.

“We could’ve tried to jam another race out of him but we didn’t want to do that,” said Bredin. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Instead, 9-year-old Extravagant Kid (who’d already run for twice as many years as most) was moved to a farm in Ocala, FL until his team could find the right place for him to retire.

“This is not a horse you just throw out into a paddock; he needs a job to do,” said Bredin.

“Mr. Ross definitely makes an effort to rehome these horses whatever their level of performance. It always petrifies me that they’ll end up somewhere awful, so we really try extra hard to provide decent homes for them when they retire.”

A RARE FIND Luckily, Anna Hollander had room for Extravagant Kid in After the Races NY, a non-profit run from the boutique 11-acre Swedish Hill Farm.

Anna grew up on a 150-acre horse farm in Sweden and worked at the Saratoga Race Course for 25 years riding, training, and exercising the horses.

Since 2019, when After the Races was founded, she has cared for 17 horses through the program, including Market Impact, an absolutely stunning horse who needed a little extra TLC.

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE

“Most non-profits are bigger than I am. They care for 30 or 40 horses at the same time and horses can get shuffled around or pushed into the background,” said Anna.

When Extravagant Kid arrived in April, she noticed that he was an extremely calm, classy, and intelligent horse.

James knew that at Anna’s farm, that would never happen to Extravagant Kid. “I was honored that he wanted ‘The Kid’ to come here.

He’s a very good horse and the whole team are very good horsemen. They care about their horses and care about what happens to them after they’re done racing,” said Anna.

Because she’s had so much experience with horses, Anna knows that thoroughbreds need to adjust slowly to life on her peaceful farm.

Like all her horses, he’s given plenty of time in the barn to eat, rest, and receive care. Anna observes him closely, watching for signs that he’s soaking up and accepting his new environment.

To ease any apprehension he might be feeling, she turns him out into a small paddock by himself to run around and eat all the grass his heart desires. When he’s ready, he’ll be joined by a friend, then the rest of the herd. He’ll then train for his second career.

“He may become a trail horse or a show horse, I won’t know until I start riding him,” she said.

SOMETHING EXTRA In addition to Anna’s personal attention, Extravagant Kid receives attention from several girls who volunteer at After the Races, including 15-year-old Amelie Burk, as well as farm visitors, and students participating in Ballston Spa’s 4H program.

“That’s a new addition this year. These horses actually love when children come and visit. The children love interacting with the horses and always have lots of questions,” said Anna.

In addition to a one-time donation from the horses’ owners, costs (including hay, feed, blacksmith and veterinary care) are paid for by sponsors and through fundraising efforts.

Extravagant Kid wins the 2018 Lucky Coin Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

Photo by Susie Raisher, courtesy of NYRA.

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Swedish Hill Farm hosts weekly yoga classes, an annual Kentucky Derby fundraising event and an annual After the Races fundraiser during the summer season at Bailey’s Café, 37 Phila St., Saratoga Springs. For details and more information, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and visit aftertheracesny.com. SS SUMMER 2022 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 29

Compliments to the Chef TURNS

20!

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

For John Reardon, life happens in the kitchen.

During much of his career, John worked in the restaurant business, then in 2004, he walked into Compliments to the Chef and his life took on a new flavor.

AN APPEALING OPPORTUNITY Since then, John’s run the unique kitchen and cutlery store, previously opened by Andrea and Dave LeFrance in 2002.

During that time, John’s wife of 41 years, Paula, a SUNY Delhi business professor; son, John; and daughter, Aubrey, have also been involved.

John Reardon. Photo courtesy of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

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“They know the store backwards and forwards and could run it with their eyes closed,” he said.

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A SIZZLING HOT BUSINESS Twenty years ago, it was an auspicious time to be in business.

“The early 2000s was just joyous.

I sold so much back in those days,” remembers John.

A vibrant Rachel Ray had a hit show on the Food Network and because she used a Wusthof Trident Santoku knife, everyone had to have one, he said. They sold so many; the shop received an award.

WONDERFUL WARMTH Then the economy collapsed in 2008.

The following year, American Express started Small Business Saturday (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) to help stores like his.

Answers from Your Foodie Friend John’s Favorite Food: “My wife Paula has mastered my mother’s meatballs and even improved on the recipe.

I’ve asked her to give it out, but she won’t. She’s sworn to secrecy.”

What He Likes Cooking Most: “I love barbequing chicken or steak and perfecting how you like it inside – it really is an art form.”

How to Compliment the Chef: Because they put so much of themselves into what they do, a meal is a chef’s way of inviting you into their life.

Acknowledge their creativity with specific details by saying, “Do I detect …?”

It was like the final scene in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” he said, where it seems as if the entire town comes out to show their support.

“It was the biggest day of sales that year and has been every year since. It’s a wonderful day.”

WELCOME TO MY TABLE A dozen years ago, John Reardon began sharing stories, kitchen tips, and recipes in the Saratoga TODAY newspaper.

In 2014, Compliments to the Chef moved to Fresh Market Plaza on Marion Ave. They moved again three years later to their current Railroad Place address.

John also began writing In the Kitchen features for Simply Saratoga magazine.

Chocked full of interesting anecdotes, reader favorites include the tale of John vs. the Onions; the tense family Thanksgiving thwarted by a turkey wearing grandma’s glasses; and the dinner date that ended up in the emergency room.

Although they love his stories, the public’s interest in cooking was waning until the pandemic, when John witnessed a resurgence.

“It was scary but everyone pitched in and that saved this business,” he said.

A ribbon cutting to celebrate Compliments to the Chef’s 20th Anniversary will be held at 33 Railroad Place on June 22nd at 11 a.m. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Good On Ya,Yank!

Celtic Treasures Celebrates its 30th Anniversary WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

T

hirty years ago, on a trip to Prince Edward Island, Paul O’Donnell was longing for summers spent at his grandfather’s farm on the Emerald Isle. The farmer sitting beside him suggested Paul follow his dreams, and that’s exactly what he’s been doing ever since.

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE In 1992, Paul opened Celtic Treasures, a Broadway shop specializing in Irish jewelry, apparel, homewares, specialty foods, and gifts.

“Thank God we’re on one of the best main streets in America,” said Paul. “Everyone wants to be Saratoga, but there can be only one.”

As its Chief Executive Stockboy, Paul filled the shop with goods from a tradeshow he and his mother, Annie, attended the year before including items like the ever-popular Nicolas Mosse pottery.

Paul’s dad, a stockbroker, helped his son’s endeavor by embracing the small business accounting software QuickBooks in its infancy. Paul’s market research was done at The Parting Glass with the bar’s owners, Robert “Bob” and Joan Cohan.

He’s also a long-time board member of the Downtown Business Association, a member of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, and Discover Saratoga.

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FROM THE HIGHLANDS When not in the shop, Paul can often be found climbing in the Adirondack Mountains.

He’s climbed 38 of the high peaks and has logged many hours training and searching for those lost in the mountains with the Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue team.

Paul has also returned to Ireland 26 times to visit family there. They congratulate his representation of Irish culture in America by saying, ‘Fair play to ya, Yank.”

CULTURAL SENSATIONS The nineties were a decade brimming with well-known Irish musicians (like The Cranberries, Sinead O’Conner, and Enya), and blockbuster movies (think Braveheart ‘95, Boondock Saints ‘99, and Angela’s Ashes ’99). Biggest of all was the Riverdance phenomenon.

“The world had never seen anything like it,” said Paul.

The extraordinary explosion of interest lead to Celtic Treasures selling 1,000 Riverdance CDs and 500 VHS tapes.

When the group performed at SPAC, Paul knew they’d be hungry for the taste of home so he brought them a selection of Irish foods to take on the road with them.

“I paid them back in bacon,” he laughs.

More recently, the Game of Thrones series (which was set in Ireland) sparked another surge.

“It was a surprise to us,” said Paul, who watched the show from start to finish. “It was amazing how popular it was considering it had the worst ending in the history of television.”

A COMMON LANGUAGE In 1996, Celtic Treasures became one of the first local shops with an online presence. Their website, built by Eon Varley, has been run by Spa.Net for decades, and there’s an extra stash of inventory in the store’s basement to ensure online orders are fulfilled quickly.

For Paul, nothing represents his Irish-American heritage more than his low D whistle.

“I want to be buried with this,” he said.

Although he also plays the harmonica and guitar, the rare Irish flute is his favorite instrument because of the hauntingly beautiful sound it produces.

Many there speak Gaelic and, in an attempt to learn the language himself, Paul once took a class in Saratoga taught by Barbara McCarthy. Because he was always running late, the Gaelic phrase he used most translates to, “Pardon my half story, my beautiful teacher”.

BUILDING ON TRADITION The story of the success of Celtic Treasures also includes the renovation of its 151-year-old building.

Previously located in what is now the Saratoga Marketplace, Celtic Treasures moved to 456 Broadway in 1995. Paul then bought the building, and during the 2008 recession, began renovating it.

“We just put blinders on and chugged through it,” said Paul.

Today, four tenants reside above the shop, which also just replaced its 30-year-old carpeting with hardwood laminate floors.

BLESSINGS ABOUND In March, Celtic Treasures celebrated their 30-year anniversary with music and promotions.

“I’ve been so blessed,” said Paul. “I’m one of the luckiest people in this town.”

His staff, including Barb Powers who is retiring after 18 years, Barb G, Sue and Jill has become like family, he said. Paul’s sister-in-law Patty has been their lifelong window designer and his wife (and very best friend), Antionette, a nurse at Saratoga Hospital, is the shop’s co-founder. She’s it’s creative spark, he said. She named the store, developed the business plan and in May, for their 35th wedding anniversary, the O’Donnell’s took a six-day trip to Nova Scotia. And finally… our son Eamonn and his wife Corey tied the knot in a backyard wedding and produced our first grandchild Liam last August - he is our star baby model in the kid's section!

Truly Blessed, I tell ya.

SS

Photo provided

Over the years, Celtic Treasures has served as a convenient stop for Irish musicians travelling between Boston and New York City. Paul loves promoting Irish music and can often be found playing at The Parting Glass on Wednesday nights with the Mad for Trad Pan-Celtic Players, a group whose repertoire of at least 100 songs spans the Celtic nations.

“It’s our common language - a rock-solid bed of music we all know how to play by ear,” said Paul, who prefers somber tunes and is known as the “King of the Slow Airs, Laments, and Dirges”. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Ideal Dairy Farms.

Photo provided

Labors of Love: A Tale of Two Farms and One Local Store Argyle Cheese Farmers' owners Dave & Marge Randles.

WRITTEN BY HIMANEE GUPTA PHOTOS BY PATTIE GARRETT UNLESS NOTED

On Memorial Day morning, I drove out to Hudson Falls, NY, a tiny, house-packed community between Fort Edward, Argyle, and Glens Falls. On Burgoyne Avenue, one of the town’s main streets, I shared space with tractors and pick-up trucks bearing American flags. A red, white, and blue OPEN flag waved outside the Argyle Cheese Farmer store. I pulled into the parking lot and went inside.

The store is a partnership between Ideal Dairy Farms and Argyle Cheese Farmer. It opened in what was the Lewis Super grocery in May 2020, under tight COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Now, in full operation, it is a farm store, cheese making facility and kitchen, and educational site rolled into one.

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Ideal Dairy Farms. Photo provided

In the main retail area, doors to refrigerated display cases slide open for shoppers to select cheeses, yogurts, meats, frozen pizzas, pizza dough, cheesecakes, and milk. Visitors can fill a milk crate with goods as they shop. Alongside the chilled spaces are shelves holding breads, crackers, brownies, maple syrup, honey, spice blends, and coffee. Most of the products are locally produced, many by vendors at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market: Something’s Brewing coffee, Hepatica Farms chicken, and Argyle Cheese Farmer itself.

Behind the shopping area is the processing facility and a space that is a little like a small museum. The processing facility is closed off for sanitation purposes but features large windows that allow visitors to watch Ideal Dairy’s milk being transformed into Argyle Cheese Farmer’s cheese and the A2 milk that some of Ideal Dairy’s cows produce being bottled for retail sale. Along the walls are placards featuring photos and histories of the families, the farms, and transformations in local agriculture that created the store. Visitors can sign up for farm tours and scan QR codes that link to videos.

Dave and Marge Randles, owners of Argyle Cheese Farmer; and John Dickinson, owner of Ideal Dairy Farms formed the partnership to grow their businesses and support one another. The partnership, however, is about much more than business. In Marge Randles’ words, “It is a labor of love,” involving money, of course, but less about making money, than about spreading goodwill.

Her words capture the spirit of farming as it evolves in our region. The store, like the farmers behind it, is about love: Love for the farm, other farmers, the community, and the people – locals as well as out-of-town visitors – it serves. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

HISTORIC ROOTS Ideal Dairy Farms traces its roots to 1884 when John L. Dickinson began operating the farm by day and working the locks at a nearby Feeder Canal at night. He and his son began delivering milk door-to-door in 1908. Through the 1960s to 1980s, the farm provided milk to supermarkets and door-to-door customers in Saratoga, Washington, Warren, and Essex counties.

The dairy industry started to change in the 1980s, forcing many smaller operations to either get big or get out.

Ideal Dairy shut down its dairy operations in 1987. Then, five years later, John Dickinson – great-grandson of John L. – returned with his wife Denise to the family farm. They brought with them a registered herd of Holsteins. John and Denise grew their herd, focusing on quality genetics and producing milk for wholesale distributors. Their cousins Kyle and Luke Getty and daughter Crystal Grimaldi joined the farm in the first two decades of the 2000s.

By 2020, Ideal Dairy was a 3,000-cow operation with quality milk. However, because of its focus on wholesale production, it did not have the name recognition among local residents that it once had.

Argyle Cheese Farmer began as a livestock operation in 1862, when Dave G. Randles, great-grandfather of current owner Dave, bought a 117-acre farm in Argyle and raised sheep, pigs, chickens, horses, oxen, and cows. That farm became a full dairy operation under Dave’s grandfather Joe Sr., and father Joe Jr. The current generation’s Dave and his brother Will began managing the farm with their father in the 1970s.

SUMMER 2022 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 35

In the early 2000s, the farm’s focus began to shift away from producing milk to making cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products. Marge Randles, wife of Dave, suggested they build a processing facility and distribute the products directly to customers through the Saratoga Farmers Market and other such venues. The couple began bringing their products to the Saratoga market in 2007 and gained a loyal following from customers.

Changes in the dairy industry made it increasingly expensive for the Randles to produce their own milk. As Dave and Marge Randles shifted their focus to making cheese, Will Randles took over the family herd and provided the milk. When Will sold the herd, Dave and Marge began acquiring milk from other farms, Ideal Dairy, among them.

Lewis Super was formed in 1949 by Peggy and Ed Lewis. It was a room in their home until 1965 when they moved the store to Burgoyne Avenue in Hudson Falls. Their son Emmy with his wife Debbie took over the grocery in 1998 and maintained its presence as an independent communitybased business, unattached to any national corporate grocery chain.

In 2019, the couple decided to retire. Hudson Falls faced the loss of its store. Until the Randles and Dickinson came up with a plan to buy the building and re-make Lewis Super into the Argyle Cheese Farmer Store, with Ideal Dairy’s name on the storefront and most of the labels of Argyle Cheese Farmer’s products. Through the partnership, Ideal Dairy became the exclusive supplier of Argyle Cheese Farmer’s milk, and Argyle Cheese Farmer with its high level of local name recognition became the vehicle by which Ideal Dairy could build a new level of community familiarity for its milk.

The two formed a partnership and in May 2020 opened the store.

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BEHIND THE SCENES Dickinson’s daughter Crystal designed the placards that relay much of the three family stories, and their role in shaping the agricultural heritage of the area. But there is another aspect of farm culture in the enterprise, as well.

It can be found in the commercial kitchen, where many newer Argyle Cheese Farmer products are made.

When I visited the store for the first time in February, Something’s Brewing owner Beth Trattel who also works at the store took me into the kitchen. There, I found workers making pizza dough, cheesecakes, macaroni and cheese, and pizzas to go.

“The kitchen spun out of an idea of using everything,” Trattel said. “Farmers repurpose. Nothing goes to waste.”

Whey, a byproduct from making cheese, goes into the pizza dough and baked breads. Yogurt nearing its expiration date is cooked into cheesecakes. Milk and cheese curds go into mac-and-cheese; pizzas made with the dough, cheeses, and other toppings are flash frozen for baking at home.

Marge Randles oversees the kitchen, drawing on recipes she’s developed over the years.

“I make things I like,” she says. “It is not cheap, but it is all-natural and made from our products and those from local farms.”

I did not have any purchases in mind when I visited the store on Memorial Day. But as I looked into the refrigerated display cases, one of my favorite summer dishes – skillet pizza topped with garlic and greens – popped into my mind. I had the garlic and the greens. Argyle Cheese Farmer had the pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, and a nicely aged sharp cheddar from its kitchen. I filled a milk crate with the items and headed home, promising myself to come back often. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Finding Food & Community at the

Saratoga Farmers' Market

WRITTEN BY HIMANEE GUPTA | PHOTO BY PATTIE GARRETT

If you’re new to Saratoga, a long-time resident, or a shortterm visitor, you’ll find a place to call home at the Saratoga Farmers' Market.

The market is at High Rock Park, just below Broadway in downtown Saratoga. It takes place twice a week from summer through October: Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

While it is one of many farmers markets in the region, it carries a sense of community that makes it particularly special. To get a sense of that community spirit, let’s step behind the scenes for a minute: It is 8:15 a.m., the first Saturday in June. Some vendors have been on site since 7:30; others are just arriving. A farmer, in an SUV, pulls into the park’s south pavilion. She is heading more toward the center but quickly sees that a tight space between two posts has become even tighter with tables, signage, and bodies by the path.

“I’m not going to make it through,” the farmer exclaims.

“You’ll make it,” says another, as still another drops what they’re doing to help navigate a path.

“Are you sure?”

“My truck can get through that spot,” a third vendor, one who makes breakfast sandwiches, says.

“Wanna drive this for me?”

The farmer gets through, parks in her allotted spot, and starts pulling her tent, tables, coolers, and produce bins from the SUV. Meanwhile, a vendor driving a van pulls in and parks beside her. As she opens a door, pies spill out.

Several drop what they’re doing to rescue the pies. Many offer to buy the damaged pies to help the vendor offset any losses.

“No, have them,” the pie maker says, with a laugh. “We’ll get through all this together.”

That sense of getting through life’s daily disasters together helps make the market what it is as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a producers-only market, meaning that the items available for purchase were grown, raised, or made by the vendors at the market. The vendors

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also are local, with their businesses based within a 50mile radius of downtown Saratoga. They join the market as members, and through work-share agreements take responsibility for the market’s upkeep, operation, and community presence.

A new partnership this year with the Greenwich-based food-rescue organization Comfort Food Community is helping to expand the market’s community presence further. Through the partnership, which also includes the Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP), members of Comfort Food Community are distributing $5 food vouchers at the market every other week to individuals who meet eligibility guidelines. Comfort Food Community also is collecting food donations from vendors, which is helping to sustain and expand a longstanding partnership between the Saratoga Farmers' Market and the Franklin Community Center’s food pantry.

The market had been at High Rock Park every summer since 1978. The COVID-19 pandemic and construction on a new City Center parking garage forced the market to hold its 2020 outdoor season at the Wilton Mall. Ongoing pandemic restrictions kept the market at the mall until midJuly 2021.

Vendors and market regulars were looking forward to the market’s return to High Rock Park for a full season this year, until word came in mid-April that construction on the Saratoga Greenbelt Project would make the park inaccessible for much of the summer. Then, however, city officials who recognized the market’s role in the community stepped in. Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim negotiated with the project’s contractor to speed up work on the Greenbelt so the market could return to High Rock as soon as possible.

On that first Saturday in June, Mayor Kim arrived at the market a few minutes before the market’s opening bell was to ring at 9 a.m., heralding the market’s return to High Rock. Vendors met him in the central pavilion with a gift basket and words of thanks. And then came a group photo.

The photographer instructed “On the count of three, put your hand up with a fist and say, “Farmers' Market!’”

The vendors complied and a new year was heralded in.

See you at the market : ) SS SUMMER 2022 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 37

From Souvenirs to Décor Don’t n w o t e v a le without these!

TAILGATE AND PARTY 33 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs tailgateandparty.com 518-886-9015 Race Themed Tumblers $24.99 Fun Saratoga Themed Tumblers $24.99

DEJONGHE 470 Broadway, Saratoga Springs djoriginals.com | 518-587-6422 Jockey and Racing Horse Charm Add this equestrian to a classic charm bracelet or hang from a chain as a pendant.Created by hand in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Available in 14k yellow or white gold.

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SUMMER 2022 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 39

SPAC WELCOME BACK TO

The region’s beloved and beautiful outdoor amphitheater reinvigorated by the full return of its resident companies, as it anticipates an inspiring summer season for first-time visitors and long-time patrons PHOTOS PROVIDED UNLESS NOTED

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C

SPAC Lawn. Photo by Francesco D'Amico

T

he beauty and inspiration discovered among nature, music, and the arts returns in full force this summer at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Nestled among lofty pines, springs, geysers, reflecting pools and architectural treasures, SPAC once again welcomes home its summer resident companies, the New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

More than just a performance, a visit to SPAC is an immersive experience combining its natural setting – the perfect confluence of man-made and natural beauty – with world-class artistry.

“Saratoga has long been a place of inspiration and refuge where people can connect with each other and become immersed in incomparable arts and cultural experiences,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “We move forward this year with ambitious and artistically inspiring programming, continuing our effort to bring significant contemporary works and iconic classics that have never been performed at SPAC to our stage, while also presenting a record number of works by BIPOC and female composers throughout the season.”

The arts and cultural events are a premier attraction for tourists and an economic engine for Saratoga. This year’s classical season builds on the momentum of June’s “All Together Now: Arts Celebration Weekend” which brought renewed excitement into the community.

SPAC and its resident companies plan to deliver an inspiring season as the iconic amphitheater returns to full capacity again.

NYCB Evolution, July 14 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

"In Creases" by Justin Peck. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

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“As we remember what we’ve overcome, we look ahead with great anticipation and abundant hope,” Sobol said. “We can’t wait to see the gates at SPAC swinging wide open to welcome thousands of our neighbors, long-time patrons, and new visitors to our illustrious classical season. The energy in Saratoga is electric as our region’s cultural institutions come back in full force.”

SUMMER 2022 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 41

HIGHLIGHTS

20th Century Masters Program, July 13 & July 16 at 7:30 p.m.

"Glass Pieces" by Robbins

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Music Director – conducting Aug 10-13 Todd Rosenberg Photography

NEW YORK CITY BALLET New York City Ballet returns with the full company from July 12-16 with its roster of more than 90 dancers under the direction of Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan. NYCB is accompanied by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, led

by Music Director Andrew Litton.

NYCB ON AND OFF STAGE July 12, 7:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand, the New York City Ballet’s fullcompany residency begins with this presentation designed to introduce the season with an intimate, up-close look at selected excerpts from the Company’s repertory of ballets that will be featured during the residency.

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20TH CENTURY MASTERS July 13, 7:30 p.m.

July 16, 7:30 p.m.

The 2022 program will pay homage to iconic choreographers Merce Cunningham, Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine. Cunningham’s “Summerspace,” returns for the first time since 1967, after being originally planned for SPAC’s 2020 season.

Premiere at SPAC in 2012.

THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA One of the world’s greatest orchestras comes home to Saratoga for its three-week residency this summer. Philadelphia Orchestra Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will lead four programs Aug. 10-13 including a finale featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

EVOLUTION July 14, 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

See photo pg. 40

Showcasing works by contemporary choreographers, the program includes new pieces by Jamar Roberts and Pam Tanowitz, and the return of Justin Peck’s “In Creases,” gracing the SPAC stage for the first time since its World

FESTIVE FIREWORKS July 27, 7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company, BalletX will perform a new work choreographed by New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck, with the Philadelphia Orchestra and conductor Erina Yashima.

NEW WORLDS July 28, 7:30 p.m.

Featured among the SPAC premieres this summer will be the East Coast Premiere of “Contact” by Pulitzer Prizewinning composer Kevin Puts, composed for the genrecrossing ensemble Time for Three.

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Ledisi Sings Nina, Aug 3

Angel Blue, Aug 12 & 13

VOICE AND THE VIOLIN July 29, 7:30 p.m.

Violinist Joshua Bell and soprano Larisa Martinez come together with The Philadelphia Orchestra and conductor Michael Stern to present an evening of beloved romantic arias and modern classics from Mendelssohn’s “Infelice” to Bernstein’s “West Side Story.”

Yo-Yo Ma, Aug 5

The Princess Bride in Concert, Aug 6

MOVIE NIGHTS SPAC’s popular film nights will also return to delight audiences of all ages as the Orchestra accompanies, live to picture, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert on July 30 and The Princess Bride in Concert on Aug. 6.

SPAC, Family Night showing of the film "UP." Photo by Shawn LaChapelle Photography

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LEDISI SINGS NINA Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m.

2021 Grammy winner and 14-time Grammy-nominated powerhouse vocalist Ledisi will capture the spirit of singer, pianist and activist Nina Simone in this special program. Performing alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra, Ledisi will take on the legendary musician’s emotionally searing and socially conscious songs.

LARA DOWNES PLAYS PRICE Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m.

Pianist and NPR host Lara Downes will perform two SPAC premieres: A Lovesome Thing: Billy Strayhorn Suite, co-commissioned by SPAC, Downes and the Boston Symphony and featuring three selections from the music of Billy Strayhorn, as well as Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement, which evokes Price’s experiences as a Black woman raised in the postCivil War South as she continues to help audiences rediscover the works the great American composer.

YO-YO MA RETURNS Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m.

World renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma makes his return to SPAC for the first time since 2017 with a program that includes Saint-Saëns’s sparkling First Cello Concerto, one of the greatest and most technically challenging cello pieces ever written, in the masterful hands of Yo-Yo Ma. ANGEL BLUE SINGS COLEMAN & BARBER Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m.

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The soprano Angel Blue will perform Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915” and the SPAC premier of Coleman’s “New Work for Voice and Orchestra.”

BEETHOVEN’S NINTH Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m.

The orchestra season fittingly concludes with an Ode to Joy with Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting, Angel Blue performing along with mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano, tenor Russell Thomas, bass-baritone Ryan McKinny, and Albany Pro Musica.

CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER June 12 – Aug. 21 At Pitney Meadows Community Farm Exquisite music in the pastoral setting of Pitney Meadows Community Farm includes masterpieces from Beethoven’s “Archduke” Trio to Dvořák’s “American” Quintet, alongside the return of Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Co-Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han and the acclaimed Escher String Quartet.

Also highlighting the season will be a special Juneteenth concert featuring SPAC debuts by unique and diverse voices such as Jessie Montgomery, Florence Price and William Grant Still.

Visit spac.org for tickets and more details. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Left to right: John R. Greenwood, Cayden Bobley & Alex Western.

The

Hanging with

Skidmore Students

Alex Western (left) & Field Horne (right) setting up in the Long Room at Saratoga County History Center a.k.a. Brookside Museum.

WRITTEN BY JOHN R. GREENWOOD | PHOTOS PROVIDED

In the spring of 2022, Field Horne and the Saratoga County History Center asked if I would like to be involved with a new exhibit. The Saratoga County History Center and the History Department at Skidmore College collaborated on a photo exhibit titled "County Life in Photographs.” As a lifelong resident of Saratoga County, I embraced the opportunity to join in. I support any project that helps promote and preserve this area's vital history.

As a bonus, I got the chance to look through vintage photographs of the county where my roots run deep.

Field assembled a team consisting of three students from the History Department at Skidmore: Cayden Bobley, from Sea Cliff, New York, Chloe Hanrahan from Andover, Massachusetts, and Alex Western from Northampton, Massachusetts. Exhibit management was Maris Lau, from Hong Kong. Department Chair Professor Tillman Nechtman was the student's faculty advisor. My function was to help the students familiarize themselves with the various historical societies within the county. They would then select 26 Saratoga County-specific photos that would interpret the way residents interacted in social, political, and celebratory contexts. Although a few of the images were collected from surrounding historical societies, the majority of them were found within the Saratoga County History Center's photo collection.

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Time constraints and a hectic end-of-year student schedule kept our meetings to a minimum.

Cayden, Chloe, and Alex did an exemplary job researching and scripting labels for the photographs, while Maris skillfully managed the preparation and assembly of the needed materials. My role became more hands-on when I volunteered to paint the room that would showcase the photos. When the existing Country Store exhibit came down, the walls had to be prepped for the next one. I committed a Saturday to fill, sand, prime, and paint Brookside's "Long Room." It was fulfilling to know I was helping to preserve county history in one of its oldest documented spaces.

The most rewarding part of my involvement with the students wasn't at the May 5th, 7 PM opening; it began that morning when Field, Cayden, Alex, and I had to hang the 26 framed photographs. My wife and I are art and photography lovers, and with five grandchildren and a long list of artists we call friends, my home is filled with both. I am constantly hanging a framed something on a wall somewhere.

This is where the title of this piece comes into play. Field's expertise as a museum curator and delegator shone bright that Thursday morning.

I went from grandfather to student and from mentor to mentee. The students and I learned about proper viewing height, how to calculate the distance between photos and labels and which hooks and hangers to use. We all learned about working together as an efficient team. As someone who traded a college experience to raise a family and earn a blue-collar paycheck, I was enjoying a semi-college experience alongside two promising students at sixty-seven.

I've also been involved with the Empire State College's Academy of Lifelong Learning as a member and instructor. Higher education doesn't simply begin after high school. In cases like my own, the freedom of retirement allowed me to dig deeper into the history of my community. It's like living in reverse, and that's a good thing at my age.

Saratoga County is fortunate to have many active historical societies and historians. It's steeped in historical landmarks and history-altering events.

Every one of them requires community support. If you decide to join one of these organizations, don't be surprised if you're the one that benefits most.

You can begin that journey by becoming a Saratoga County History Center member. "It's a nice place to visit, but you might want to live there."

“County Life in Photographs” can be viewed at the Saratoga County History Center, 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa. Hours: Thursday-Sunday 1-5 pm. SS

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Celebratin� 45 Years Photo by Mitch Cohen

o� Preservation

preserving

SARATOGA

T

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART, SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

his year marks the 45th anniversary of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation preserving and enhancing the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs. Our vibrant, beautiful city is far different from the one 45 years ago.

Between the 1950s and 1970s, Saratoga Springs was a historic resort community in decline. Important local landmarks had been lost to a struggling economy, urban renewal, and devastating fires. Those losses combined

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with the prospects of a hotel being built in historic Congress Park; a highway going through Franklin Square, our oldest residential neighborhood; and the construction of a mall, sparked members of the community to create the “Plan for Action,” to revitalize downtown.

Critical to the plan’s success was the preservation of downtown’s historic buildings. In 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation was established to oversee a grant program that provided $450,000 in funding to restore historic exteriors of 26 buildings and make them code compliant. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The 1871 Ainsworth Building in 1975 prior to receiving a rehabilitation grant from the Foundation and after.

Immediately after the Foundation was established, it was faced with advocating for the preservation of an endangered 1871 Methodist church at 25 Washington Street. In 1976, the building was condemned by the City of Saratoga Springs due to the condition of the east tower. The Foundation received a $100 grant to complete a structural report, indicating that the building did not need to be demolished. The Foundation secured an agreement for the Universal Baptist Church to reimburse the City of Saratoga Springs for the necessary repairs if the church signed three buildings over as collateral to the City.

Unfortunately, the Foundation had to intervene again in 1998, when the dwindling congregation was faced with their building being again condemned due to a potential roof collapse. The Foundation again secured funding to stabilize the building. However, a more permanent solution was needed - a new non-profit, Universal Preservation Hall, was formed to adapt the landmark building into a community performing arts/events space.

Since its inception, the Foundation has played a critical role in protecting not only our historic downtown, but also our charming neighborhoods. Following on the early efforts of Beatrice Sweeney, City Historian, who listed Franklin Square and Congress Park on the National Register of Historic Places, the Foundation sought National Register of Historic Places designation for Broadway, which includes downtown and the magnificent mansions on North Broadway; the East

Side neighborhood; Union Avenue, including the Saratoga Race Course; and the West Side neighborhood. The Foundation also advocated for local ordinances to ensure their preservation and to prevent demolition, insensitive alterations, and inappropriate new construction. Today, it regularly advocates for best preservation practices before the land use boards of the City of Saratoga Springs.

By providing technical assistance, the Foundation was able to help preserve the historic buildings along Union Avenue and surrounding streets that formed the original campus of Skidmore College following the college relocating to their new campus on North Broadway in 1966. Skidmore College sold the more than 80 buildings to Verrazzano College in 1972. In the fall of 1974, Verrazzano College opened and by June of the following year the bank foreclosed on the mortgage. Saratoga Springs was faced with many buildings, including some of its grandest historic residences on Union Avenue, being left vacant and deteriorating. With the leadership of local realtor John T. Roohan, the buildings were sold. The Foundation provided the new owners with technical assistance to secure federal tax credits that were critical in offsetting the significant expense of rehabilitation, allowing many of the buildings to return to single-family residences. Today, the Foundation continues to provide technical assistance to people seeking rehabilitation tax credits and undertaking rehabilitation projects.

Thanks to the Foundation’s efforts, the 1872 Smiley-Brackett Cottage, 166 Excelsior Avenue, was recently designated a Local Landmark.

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The derelict former Adirondack Railroad Company depot prior to the Foundation undertaking a rehabilitation of the building and after.

The Foundation also helped to revitalize the West Side of Saratoga Springs. An early project it undertook was saving 5 Clinton Street, an 1872 row house that had fallen into significant disrepair and was threatened with demolition.

The City of Saratoga Springs deeded the property to the Foundation. The building was rehabilitated and the proceeds from the sale were invested in other preservation projects. This project served as a catalyst for others to invest in the row houses.

Another important project on the West Side that the Foundation played a key role in was the conservation of the City’s oldest cemetery, the Gideon Putnam Burying Ground. The Foundation raised significant funds to enhance and document the 1810 cemetery, the burial site of our founding father, Gideon Putnam.

Julia Stokes, founding executive director of the Foundation, in front of the Clinton Street row houses.

In 1988, the Foundation undertook the rehabilitation of the derelict former 1884 Adirondack Railroad Company depot at 117 Grand Avenue. Upon its completion, the building served for a period of time as its office with low-income apartments above.

Gideon Putnam Burying Ground

Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial

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The Foundation also secured a $190,000 New York State Main Street grant for Beekman Street in 2005 to provide funding for façade improvements and building rehabilitations. In total seven buildings benefitted from the grant program and stimulated an additional $750,000 in investment, helping to revitalize this small commercial street.

One of the Foundation’s most visible restoration projects is the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial in Congress Park. In 1982, the Foundation undertook its first restoration of the 1915 memorial in partnership with the City of Saratoga Springs. Thirty years later, the Foundation again partnered with the City to undertake a four-year, $750,000 comprehensive restoration that included the bronze sculpture, architectural surround, and the landscape.

Today, the Foundation annually organizes volunteers to maintain the landscape of the memorial. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The Foundation has a unique role in preserving the Saratoga Race Course, the oldest sports venue in the country. It researched and documented nearly all the 200 structures and landscape features of the 350-acre site. The Foundation regularly offers tours to share the resulting rich history about the development of the track. In addition, the Foundation has the important role of being the only required local advisory opinion for all capital improvements at the track, providing guidance on rehabilitation and new construction projects.

In 1998, the Foundation established its Ten to Save list to raise awareness for endangered buildings, which is periodically reviewed and updated. The 1851 Alexander A. Patterson residence, located at 65 Phila Street, had been on the list since its inception. In 2021, the Foundation successfully opposed the proposed demolition of the long-neglected property and purchased it. The Foundation will undertake environmental abatement, structural stabilization, and an exterior restoration.

The goal is to remove the challenges associated with this property, remove blight from the neighborhood, and sell it to someone who will complete the interior and be a good steward for years to come. Funds from the sale will be reinvested into the community with another restoration project.

In addition, to advocacy, technical assistance, and restoration projects, the Foundation fulfills its mission through education.

It hosts tours and presentations on a variety of different topics throughout the year, in-person and virtually. Most popular are the Sunday Strolls, 90-minute walking tours of different neighborhoods. The annual Historic Homes Tour offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes throughout Saratoga Springs. The event held in May is the Foundation’s largest fundraiser.

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is honored to have played a significant role in preserving our past to protect our future. To learn more about the Foundation’s advocacy efforts, educational programs, restoration projects and special events, please visit saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030. SS

Most recently, the Foundation successfully advocated for 166 Excelsior Avenue, the SmileyBrackett Cottage, to be designated a Local Landmark. The Gothic Revival cottage was built in 1871 by Sarah F. Smiley, an author and one of the first women ever to speak in front of a mixed congregation of men and women. Between 1919 and 1969, it was also the home of Charles Brackett, an Oscar awardwinning screen-writer. The long vacant, neglected property that is eligible for individual listing on the National Register of Historic Places also was on the Foundation’s endangered list since its inception.

Over the years, the Foundation attempted to assist the owner, but he declined all offers. In an effort to provide a measure of protection, the Foundation recently sought Local Landmark designation, which now requires that any proposed exterior changes, new construction, or demolition be reviewed by the Design Review Commission. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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50

years later…

Behind-the-scenes look at how Ballston Spa became part of The Way We Were in 1972

This historic black and white photograph shows what is today The Medbery Inn & Day Spa as it actually looked on Front Street in Ballston Spa in the 1940s. When The Medbery became part of film history linked to The Way We Were in 1972, antique cars from the 1930s and early 1940s were brought into the village to be used as props.

Photo shared by Dolores Taisey.

WRITTEN BY

ANN HAUPRICH

Memories of huddling with friends and strangers outside the Front Street Post Office in Ballston Spa on a crisp autumn evening in 1972 to witness the filming of a scene for The Way We Were inspired Ann Hauprich to interview others about their recollections for a feature that begins in this edition. The BSHS Class of 1971 alum has also started researching chapters for a seventh book that will celebrate the exquisite renaissance that has taken place in her village over the past half century.

To learn more about the seasoned journalist, visit AnnHauprich.US.

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he following is the first in a two-part feature by Ann Hauprich. The second installment, to be published in the fall edition, will additionally highlight plans for the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association’s 20th annual Way We Were Car Show in October 2022.

The Hon. Harry W. Seibert, Jr. was a 30-year-old attorney who had only recently established a private legal practice in a modest second floor office on Ballston Spa’s Front Street when he was asked in 1972 to play a vital role in setting the stage for his beloved hometown to become part of a major Hollywood movie co-starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. In part due to the popularity of The Way We Were Car Show that was established in 2002, today’s locals and visitors are aware that some unforgettable scenes for the classic movie were filmed 50 autumns ago against backdrops that included settings stretching from O’Brien Pharmacy to The Medbery Inn. The romantic scene during which Redford fastens Streisand’s shoes outside of the latter historic landmark has been a favorite among fans since the film’s release. Millions also enjoy an earlier scene where Streisand walks solo along a sidewalk and another inside of a soda fountain that includes actor Bradford Dillman.

But during interviews half a century after the cast and crew had transformed part of Ballston Spa into a Hollywood movie set, Seibert – who went on to distinguish himself as a Surrogate Court Judge and an Acting Saratoga County Supreme Court Justice -- shared some stellar recollections that are worthy of a behind-the-scenes bonus feature of their very own.

It turns out the village might not have become part of classic motion picture history had Siebert declined to allow his secretary to admit a mysterious stranger into his general law practice when the casually attired young man showed up without an appointment around Labor Day 1972 claiming to represent Columbia Pictures on a matter of great urgency involving a major movie production to be directed by Sydney Pollack.

In hindsight, one can understand why Seibert was initially skeptical of the proposition being sprung on him by the unexpected visitor claiming to have recently arrived from Southern California. “I was busy working at my desk in my office above what was then The Style Shop when my secretary Linda Nutting admitted the stranger, who introduced himself as Jack Saunders of Columbia Pictures. He insisted he was an advance man who had been scouting upstate New York locations on behalf of the studio but had unfortunately forgotten to bring along identification to prove his affiliation with the corporation,” recalls Seibert.

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“When he told me that Columbia Pictures wanted to retain my services to represent them securing releases from proprietors of Front Street businesses because the exteriors (and in some cases the interiors) of their buildings would be perfect for scenes from the early 1940s, I considered sending him on his way. In fact, I said something along the lines of ‘I was born at night, but it wasn’t last night.’”

Fortunately, for Seibert and the entire Village of Ballston Spa, the out-of-towner had an ace up his sleeve in the form of a business card for Columbia Pictures Executive Producer Russ Saunders who confirmed Jack’s credentials and validated the purpose of his mission. “Before I knew it, I was on a long distance call with Russ Saunders in California who explained why I was being invited to serve as a liaison to negotiate with proprietors about possible changes to the appearances of the fronts of their businesses and the need for them to close up shop on the three days and nights when the production company would be on location. “In a matter of a very short time I found myself walking up and down Front Street meeting with merchants and asking how much money they believed would be fair compensation for what they were being asked to do,” recollects Seibert whose non-working hours half a century ago were devoted to joyfully raising two then-small children (Harry III and Mary Kathryn “Kit”) with his village school teacher wife Liz.

To say Seibert was an eyewitness to behind-the-scenes action on the night when Redford fastened Streisand’s shoes would be an understatement. While throngs of villagers were huddled on sidewalks opposite The Medbery, the lawyer was making cherished memories over drinks inside the historic establishment’s bar with their co-star Bradford Dillman. According to Seibert, the famed actor was “swell company” and “a straight arrow” who was “as down-to-earth” as they come. “If Brad was sitting here with us now, you’d think you’d known him forever.”

Redford also made a lasting positive impression when on a different occasion he conversed with Seibert inside of The Medbery, which in those days also boasted a barbershop where stars, co-stars and extras had their hair and make-up done during the Ballston Spa filming event. “I can’t recall if it was Russ or Jack, but one of the Saunders brothers introduced me to Redford and asked if we’d like to be photographed together.’

The resulting picture, which Seibert believes was taken with a Polaroid camera, became a treasured keepsake that he kept under a glass tabletop in his small private law office above a clothing store and in later more spacious ground floor office settings that he occupied during subsequent years as Village Attorney and then in his judicial chambers.

“One of my kids used to stop by with friends, point at the photograph of me and Robert Redford and proclaim: ‘That’s my Dad with my Uncle Bobby,’” Photo courtesy of The Maurice "Christopher" Morley Collection. laughs Seibert.

Among those the now retired octogenarian vividly remembers talking with were Jim O’Brien of O’Brien Pharmacy, Joe Austin at Western Auto, Teddy and Danny DellaPorta at The Medbery and The Thorpes who ran a popular familyowned variety store across from the Post Office. All were excited, accommodating and supportive of what was being proposed, knowing that their businesses would be backdrops for parts of the movie that was to be directed

by Sydney Pollack. In fact, most asked only to receive a few hundred dollars in compensation -- a testimonial to their honesty and integrity,” muses Seibert.

When the September air turned crisper than expected, Seibert contacted Louie and Peter Laquidara to secure Salamander space heaters for the production company.

The attorney also got in touch with “Cubby” Neville who had a plumbing business when a faucet issue required special attention. “Whatever was needed, everyone was positive and as cooperative as they could be which made the entire experience a lot of fun,” he smiles.

Seibert was also asked to ensure that members of the village’s volunteer fire department and ambulance corps be on standby should any emergencies arise, Seibert consented, but with one stipulation. “I strongly suggested that Columbia Pictures make a donation, a generous donation, to each – which they happily did,” he says. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Other fascinating recollections include a celebratory post-production dinner Seibert and now late wife Liz enjoyed with Russ and Jack Saunders and their wives in a Schenectady restaurant and a subsequent reunion in California when Seibert presented Russ with an engraved ice cream dish from one of the film’s soda fountain scenes.

The ice cream dish was but one of several props from The Way We Were that Seibert acquired and had engraved as keepsake gifts for family and friends after Iron Spring Properties, Inc. purchased the Front Street property where Streisand had portrayed a waitress.

Seibert, who by then had landed a more spacious ground floor office on Front Street, insists he never went to a theatre to watch The Way We Were after it was released in 1973. Memories of all he had witnessed firsthand behindthe-scenes before, during and after the filming of scenes in Ballston Spa more than sufficed until the movie aired on television where he could enjoy watching it in the comfort of his own home.

And that’s a wrap! At least for Seibert’s memories of The Way We Were. Others who recently shared cherished recollections include Carl Feathers, who in 1972 was a newlywed residing across the street from The Medbery, and former Ballston Spa Mayor John Romano, who was active behind-the-scenes throughout the now long ago “Hollywood North” experience.

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When it came to having a bird’s eye view of the filming at the western end of Front Street in September 1972, few could rival that enjoyed by Carl Feathers.

The tiny upstairs apartment where the then 22-year-old village man and his now late wife Faith had months earlier celebrated their first wedding anniversary was situated at 49 Front Street -- directly across from The Medbery Inn, which was destined to become immortalized as an unforgettable classic movie backdrop. ”Faith and I had just found out we were expecting a baby and we didn’t think life could get any more exciting,” remembers Feathers. But on the three nights of filming that took place with clear views from both of their front windows of all that was unfolding in the Hollywood North setting below, the couple stayed up until one and sometimes one-thirty in the morning. Sometimes their love nest was filled with strangers who asked if it would be okay if they joined them for a while in catching a glimpse into film history in the making.

“When people nowadays hear that I had to get up by 5:30 a.m. to commute to and from my job at General Electric in Schenectady, they wonder how I did it on so little sleep,” muses Feathers. The answer is surely that his adrenalin had to have been pumping hard – not only from the “Lights, Camera, Action” excitement below, but also from his decision to use a Super 8mm camera to record portions of it.

“The dressing trailers for Redford and Streisand were parked in the back of The Medbery and although Streisand kept largely to herself, Romano says Redford and Dillman had no qualms about mingling with the commoners.

“During downtime on the set, we would congregate in a garage owned by The Medbery and bounce a ball in a cup to pass the time. I remember Robert Redford and Bradford Dillman watching the games. They struck me as being just a couple of regular guys.” Romano adds Redford was always gracious, taking time to talk to everyone who approached him – as did Dillman.

It never ceases to amaze Romano that a key reason Front Street was chosen as the backdrop for the filming of some memorable scenes for “The Way We Were” is that the main drag still looked much the same in 1972 as it did during the Depression. Normally that would not be taken as a compliment, but in this case, it was something for which village fathers of the 1960s deserved a standing ovation, insists Romano. “The village was extremely fortunate that it had people around to fight the urge to give in to urban renewal.

Where others were clamoring to tear down everything old that needed work, Mayor William Kelley fought to keep the historic treasures that we had in place.”

While some notable gems were lost along the way, Romano notes that most of the downtown is intact today because of folks like the Kelleys. “The greatest change the cast and crew would Most thrilling of all was the notice if they made encore occasion when Feathers, whose appearances today would be Exterior of the Front Street building with The Style Shop as it looked outgoing personality would when it was visited by the Hollywood location scout in 1972. that The Medbery has been in later years earn him the lavishly refurbished. (Part Two of nickname “The Mayor of Malta Avenue” summoned the this feature will showcase longtime Medbery Inn & Day Spa courage to stroll across the street in between takes to proprietor Dolores Taisey’s exquisite reflections on how introduce himself to Robert Redford. “He was sitting on the transformation of parts of the historic landmark into a a chair that had a six-pack of genuine Piels Beer stashed “Hollywood North” location impacted its future. Or, in the beneath it while holding a foaming beer mug that was part words of Romano, how “Ballston Spa went from being a of the scene where he offers a sip to Streisand’s character.” drive thru dot on the map to a drive-to destination.”)

“I didn’t know how Redford would react when I struck up Meanwhile, Romano sometimes wonders how many a conversation, but he turned out to be a very pleasant villagers are aware that although a movie titled “Nobody’s person. He was remarkably easy to talk to – definitely NOT Fool” was not filmed in Ballston Spa, it was based on a a Hollywood snob.” (Streisand wasn’t present at the time.) novel that was set in this community. If you rent it, you’ll A quarter of a century later -- while vacationing in Montreal, quickly notice some striking similarities. For example, there’s a White Horse Restaurant that strongly resembles Quebec– Feathers would meet one of Redford’s co-stars in The White House Restaurant on Milton Avenue. a movie with a far different plot: Paul Newman. “Ever since then, I’ve been able to tell people that I met both Butch Come to think of it, says Romano, a scene for “Ironweed” (a Cassidy and The Sundance Kid,” beams Feathers, adding film co-starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson based on that Newman also proved to be an approachable and the book by Pulitzer Prize winning author William Kennedy genuinely good-humored individual who made fans feel of Averill Park) is rumored to have been shot in a storage comfortable in his presence. room above the mayor’s own office at the corner of Front and Bath Streets.

Although at the time of The Way We Were filming, John Romano was the proprietor of a popular Front Street To which one can only add the Post Script: tavern, he got someone to cover for him during the three QUIET ON THE SET! nights of filming so he could work behind-the-scenes as a See more photos at SimplySaratoga.com SS night watchman.

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The Secret History of GEYSER PARK WRITTEN BY JIM RICHMOND | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION (UNLESS NOTED)

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THE SARATOGA SPA STATE PARK conjures up images of large New Deal-era buildings surrounding spacious lawns and reflecting pools; pleasant walks along Geyser Creek cascading past the Island Spouter; picnic areas, swimming pools and golf courses.

Possibly the most iconic symbol of the Park may be the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, attracting visitors to its diverse musical programs for almost sixty years.

However, it was not always so...

Geyser dam. Photo provided

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Champion #1 Spring 1871

Hidden beneath the contemporary vision of the Park is a long and varied history. That history reflects a local version of the experiences of many communities in the early days of our nation, influenced by one unique feature of the landscape – the springs.

European settlement of the area began in earnest in 1792 when Robert Ellis, Sr. purchased and developed a 600-acre parcel of land in the 16th allotment of the Kayderosseras Patent, today extending from South Road in the park northward to West Avenue. Ellis, with a keen eye for property, recognized that his purchase was prime real estate for two of the most significant economic activities in early rural America; farming and milling. Ignoring the mineral springs oozing out of the ground, Ellis concentrated on developing a large farm and supplementing his income by constructing a dam and a sawmill. After 220 years, the modern version of the dam remains in the same location holding back the waters of Geyser Creek. The sawmill has long since disappeared.

Champion Spring Company Carbonie Gas Works 1911

The Civil War changed all that, and Hulbert recognized the opportunity to expand to meet the demands of the war effort. However, to do that he needed partners with money. He found them in two local entrepreneurs, Arthur Dodge Seavey and Deman Vail. Seavey, born in Maine, and Vail, a lifelong Saratoga resident, made their fortune during the California gold rush, not by mining, but by selling merchandise to the eager prospectors. Together in 1862, they purchased a two-thirds share of Hurlbert’s small factory for $12,000, which was immediately invested in expanding the business; constructing a large factory building on the site of the old scythe mill. By 1866 the factory employed fifty men producing 20,000 finished nuts and bolts per day.

Adjacent to the sawmill, Ellis’ son-in-law George Peck developed a small scythe factory powered by a trip hammer around 1801, which he operated until his death in 1838. Several hundred yards downstream at another mill seat, Robert Ellis, Jr. constructed a gristmill in 1818 located where the creek today emerges from the old railroad stone culvert. That mill continued to operate throughout the 19th century, later owned by David Gibbs and his son William, who sold the flour produced there at their store in Saratoga Springs.

These businesses were typical of early industrial pursuits in ante-bellum America – small scale operations with few employees, selling most of their products to the local market. During this period another small factory was established by Willis Hurlburt, who arrived from Litchfield, Connecticut in 1841. Initially taking over George Peck’s scythe business, in the 1850s Hurlburt converted the facility to a small nut and bolt factory, still employing only a few workers.

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Geyser Sprng Bottling Plant 1912

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However, business declined in the post-civil war years, and in February 1870 the trio turned to Jessie Button who was well known for his skills in drilling deep wells in the area. The partners, aware of the untapped potential of the springs along the creek, retained Button who struck a large vein of mineral water at a depth of 180 feet.

Almost overnight, the future of Robert Ellis’ 1792 land purchase was forever changed. Within a month the mineral water was spouting upwards to a height of 20 feet, immediately drawing large numbers of curiosity seekers from Saratoga Springs, two miles to the north. The three men lost no time in promoting both the curiosity of the spouting spring and the water itself, bottling and marketing it under the names of “Geyser Spring” and “Geyser Water.” Manufacturing of nuts and bolts were now a thing of the past, the factory building signage now proudly trumpeting its new mission. Other springs appeared, drilled by Button. One of the most famous, the Champion Spouting Spring, was located on the property of Gibbs’ gristmill on the grounds of today’s Saratoga Performing Arts Center, entertaining travelers on the railroad as they passed by.

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New ventures require new investments, and in 1872, George Batcheller and Jacob Adams invested in Geyser Springs, eventually purchasing the business outright. For Batcheller, Civil War officer and son-in-law of prominent Ballston banker James Cook, 1872 was a busy year. In addition to his interest in Geyser Springs, he was immersed in the construction of his mansion on Circular Street in the resort village. But it was Adams, who soon bought out Batcheller, and whose vision resulted in the expansion of Geyser Springs into Geyser Park. Images show the idyllic paths and landscape of the park, with rustic bridges crisscrossing Geyser Creek and its tributaries. Successful for a time, Adams eventually faced financial difficulties and during the 1880s the park declined.

The twenty-year focus on springs and parks for tourists was soon followed by a twenty-year period of exploitation. It began with the discovery that Carbonic Acid Gas could be extracted from the springs, captured in steel tubes and sold to create carbonated water for the growing beverage market. The process was perfected by Jules Formel, a native of Cuba and a graduate of the New York College of Pharmacy. He and two other New York City businessmen, John Minor and Harry Pettee, seized the opportunity to convert Saratoga’s springs in a financial bonanza. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Sometimes working together and sometimes operating independently, beginning in 1889 they purchased much of the land along Geyser Creek from willing local landowners, and during the 1890s formed several Carbonic Acid Gas companies. From a modest beginning, these companies aggressively increased production through excessive pumping practices based on a process developed by Minor. The process resulted in such a large extraction of water that all the area springs experienced a decline in flow.

After a successful 1907 court case involving Frank Hathorn’s spring in downtown Saratoga, a Committee of Concerned Citizens, led by Spenser Trask, owner of the Yaddo Estate, lobbied for an anti-pumping law that was passed by the State Legislature the following year.

The gas companies refused to suspend their pumping activities, and sued the State, seeking to overturn the law. Faced with a long court battle, the State stepped in, forming the State Reservation with the authority to buy up the gas companies’ property, halt the pumping and restore the springs to their natural state. The Reservation was also given the task of recreating the park around the restored springs, the first step in the development of the Saratoga Spa State Park we enjoy today. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Meet...

SID GORDON WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM

Sidney Gordon was born in 1929, and despite being given the name Samuel at birth, he didn’t know it until he was 12 years old. To join Boy Scouts, he obtained a copy of his birth certificate.

he’d become an uncle. The boy’s response, “Ok…what is that?”

SARATOGA GETS ON TRACK By 1941, with Saratoga entrenched in gambling, the town was primed for the opening of the Saratoga Raceway.

Alarmed by the discovery, he returned home to 68 Putnam Street and showed the sheet of paper to his mother.

“I knew it had opened and went to the track to watch the races from outside. It was very exciting seeing them run there but I didn’t bet on them, I just watched them,” remembers Sid.

“Who’s this Samuel Gordon?” he asked.

“Oh, that’s you,” she answered with a shrug. “We named you Samuel but I always liked Sidney better.”

He watched people come and go on horse and buggy while shining shoes on the porch of the Grand Union Hotel.

A CHILD DURING PROHIBITION Sidney “Sid,” is also the name his neighbors knew him by.

Sid’s neighborhood was known as the “Gut” (the area between Broadway, Caroline, and Phila Streets) and his neighbors included an everchanging stream of customers for his dad’s coppersmith shop, as well as for the tenants who rented space in the Gordon’s building. Sid remembers there being a barbershop, restaurant, and gypsy tea room. In 1932, Sperry’s Restaurant opened nearby (an establishment you can still grab a seat at today).

The infamous bootlegger and gambler Louis “Doc” Farone was one of Sid’s neighbors. When a baby was born into the family, a joyful Farone joked with five-year-old Sidney that 60 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2022

“You could tell who the horse betters were because they had racing forms in their hands. They certainly buffed up the city financially (and gave me $1 tips!),” he said, nodding.

TAKING A SHINE TO THE SPRINT Shining shoes was a good gig for young Sidney until the day he spilled polish on the Grand Union Hotel rug.

“My heart almost jumped out of my body,” he said.

“There was nothing I could do about the stain so I quietly finished, packed up my little shoe shine box, walked off the porch, and ran all the way to Congress Park.”

“I never went back.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

STATIONED FOR SERVICE During most of World War II, Sid was attending Saratoga Springs High School.

With the draft still looming, at age 17, Sid enlisted and was sent as an occupying military force to Japan.

After two years of service, Sid returned to a thriving city.

“It became bustling. Everyone was happy the war was over; the economy was good. Everything was just flourishing: the race track, the gambling, the lake. It was good. The town was busy.”

A highlight for Sid - seeing jazz legend Cap Calloway perform at the lively Jack’s Harlem Club.

THE POST WWII BOOM The changing times were signaled by the emergence of Stewart’s Shops – a convenience store that would become indispensable to the newly driving public.

“It was kind of a small operation to begin with but they had make-your-own sundaes and that was big,” he said, his eyes widening.

“They had this tray of four or five different toppings, you could put on as much as you wanted to and no one stopped you. You’d pile so much up; it was like a volcano exploding as it came down the sides.”

A COMMANDING PRESENCE Sid bounced around for a few years before settling down to work for the Seeburg Corporation.

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For the next twenty years, he was Saratoga’s “Music Doctor,” working on jukeboxes at the Spa City Diner, Broadway’s Colonial Diner, and just about every bar in town, he said, adding that he was quite the jitterbugger himself.

Sid spent another decade surrounded by music in his job cleaning SPAC with GFM Janitorial Services.

Once, before a show, he had an argument with Liza Minnelli, who had instructed his crew to wax the floor so a large staircase for her performance could slide across it.

Sid refused.

“You can’t do that! The New York City Ballet dances here!” he shouted.

After a moment, he said, “I’ve got the answer for you – use Ivory soap on the bottom, the staircase will go out smoothly and I can mop it up easy.”

“It worked,” he sighed, “but for a while, she was not a happy camper.”

IN THE QUICK Eight years ago, Sid became a Disabled American Veteran Chaplain. He now has six kids, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and lives with Helen, his wife of forty years.

Looking back on his life, he said, “I would do it all over again the same way. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

When asked what he thinks of Saratoga’s growth, he answers…

“It’s 15-pounds of potatoes in a 10-pound bag.”

“Let’s take a big breath,” he continued, “Enough is enough.”

SS

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WRITTEN BY MICHAEL TODD LANDIS, PH.D. PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM

saving

Brooks 62 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2022

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When I arrived in Saratoga Springs in December 2018, I knew nary a soul (save for my partner’s small family), and I certainly had never heard of Brookside Museum. Within a year, however, I found myself enmeshed in a network of local historians and deeply invested in Brookside’s survival.

Shortly thereafter, I led of team of volunteers to not only save the venerable museum but transform it into a dynamic history center that would serve the county and stand the test of time.

Before my arrival in upstate New York, I was a history professor and professional writer. Though I was passionate about community service and social justice, I had little experience with, or, frankly, interest in, museums. With the exception of my rewarding work with Historians Against Slavery (an international coalition of scholars dedicated to combatting unfree labor and human trafficking), my life before Saratoga was devoted to podium and pen.

My partner and I relocated to Saratoga from Texas to follow her career – a big promotion and transfer to her hometown was an offer we couldn’t refuse. Thus, I did the unthinkable: I resigned my tenure-track assistant professor position and trekked to the frozen northeast. I confess, I was daunted by the challenge of starting over in an unfamiliar place with no job or associates in sight.

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Eager to plug myself into the local history scene, I emailed anyone I could get ahold of that practiced history. It didn’t take long before I was directed to the beloved local historian Jim Richmond, who welcomed me to his Saratoga County History Roundtable with open arms. I quickly connected with other history-minded residents and was ushered into the world of Brookside.

Within a year, I was invited to join the board, which, I learned with dismay, was in dire financial crisis. Though the Saratoga County Historical Society at Brookside Museum was a respected institution in Ballston Spa, it was hardly known beyond its Village environs; its membership had declined precipitously over the years, and, with it, revenue. Board president Sander Bonvell was charged with the Herculean task of saving Brookside, so he brought in new trustees (including Nora Osuchowski, Isobel Connell, Maureen Walsh, and myself) and launched a vigorous “Save Brookside” fundraising campaign. The effort yielded an impressive $90,000 but was too little too late. Talk of selling the collections and shuttering the building dominated my first few board meetings.

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In March 2020, the crisis deepened when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, and New York State went into lockdown. Any hopes for revenuegenerating in-person events at Brookside were dashed. But rather than accept defeat and closure, as so many museums across the country did, Osuchowski, Connell, and I rallied the board to take Brookside virtual. With schools suddenly remote, and everyone trapped in their homes day and night, we believed there was a terrific opportunity to do something new and provide content to a hungry public.

We started a YouTube channel, registered a Zoom account, reached out to area schools to investigate their needs, and created social media accounts to connect with the public. Our fellow board members were skeptical but supportive.

While Osuchowski, Connell, and I developed experimental virtual events (like a guest speaker series and a “town hall” forum on current events), our colleagues continued to prepare for the worst. By the end of the spring, the board voted to place Brookside’s small staff on furlough, layoff our Executive Director (who had done her best to stave-off collapse) and become an all-volunteer organization. The new board president, Jere Blackwelder, had to be both undertaker and cheerleader, encouraging our efforts but being realistic about the future.

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Though I was new to the area and had little personally vested in the preservation of the museum, I came to feel deeply attached to Brookside. Thus, I and my colleagues explored every avenue, including seeking advice from outside experts. In particular, Dr. Taylor Stoermer, filmmaker and history professor at Johns Hopkins University, spoke with me at length and helped me create a game-plan for financial revival and long-term success: we would need to rebrand, incentivize membership, and make our organization relevant to people beyond the Village of Ballston Spa. In short, dramatic changes were imperative.

Luckily, Osuchowski, Connell, and Blackwelder were enthusiastic. Together, we created a report, presented it to the board, and won their approval. The “Saratoga County Historical Society at Brookside Museum” (a cumbersome name) became the “Saratoga County History Center” (a clearer and more dynamic identity); the webpage was entirely reworked; and we pressed full steam ahead with online programming (which, to incentivize membership, would be free to members and $5 for nonmembers). Simultaneously, Maureen Walsh worked her math magic, got Brookside’s account books in shape, and gave us an accurate, and much-needed, diagnosis of the organization’s financial health.

of the Brookside mansion, launched a program of “hybrid” events (made possible by the purchase of new multimedia equipment), teamed-up with town historians on a variety of projects, started a weekly newsletter, created a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, and inaugurated an annual Saratoga County Public History Award. 2022 will be the most energetic year yet for the organization, and I can truly say that the History Center has been a smashing success.

As I reflect on my short time in Saratoga – less than four years, at the time of writing – I must say that participating in the saving of Brookside, and the subsequent creation of the History Center, brings me enormous joy. More importantly, “Brookisde” is a now an important part of Saratoga County culture that will hopefully delight and educate generations to come. SS

Still, while virtual programming was exciting and popular, the bills needed to be paid. To the rescue came Donna Dardaris and her fundraising committee, which conceived of and implemented several events, including “Brooks Barbecue at Brookside.” By 2021, we had money to keep the lights on (literally!), and an ambitious agenda.

Our “Experts Next Door” virtual speaker series became a popular monthly fixture, our publicity campaigns received positive attention, and our partnerships with area schools, including Skidmore College, blossomed. When the pandemic abated in the summer of 2021, we threw open the doors of Brookside, debuted exciting new exhibits (such as “The Social Life of Hats” and “A Century of Ice Cream”), revived old favorites like “From Sheep to Shawl,” and even hosted a summer concert series and a county-wide “treasure hunt.”

Despite the resurgence of Covid-19 in the fall of 2021, the History Center continues to thrive.

We have just added several new board members, renovated parts saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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A hyperlocal production unmasks one of America’s greatest villains.

Benedict Arnold: H E R O B E T R AY E D WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

IN WAR, every battle comes down to two sides; the winners and the losers. The catch is, you can’t know what side you’re on until the battle is over.

THE UNDOING OF THE MAN Benedict Arnold fought for both the Continental army and the British army in the Revolutionary War, an act that earned him a reputation as America’s most infamous traitor.

There is evidence to support the claim that he was a brave leader, endeared to his men, who, despite his best efforts, was never quite able to break through the ranks into the country’s upper echelon.

This documentation (and so much more!) has been unearthed during an epic quest to unmask America’s 66 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2022

most well known war villain; the Judas of the Revolutionary War. In a recently released docudrama, “Benedict Arnold: Hero Betrayed,” narrated by Martin Sheen, compelling commentary (assembled from 30 hours of interviews with the world’s foremost authorities, historians, and authors well-versed in the Revolutionary War and the colonial era) and re-enacted events (many of which were shot locally) present a more complete picture of this man and his motivations.

It examines the question: Why did Benedict Arnold decide to return his allegiance to the British?

“It’s just an incredible story from American history that no one knows about,” said filmmaker Anthony Vertucci. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

TA LON F I L M S T E AM THE DUALITY OF MAN Theirs is the intriguing tale of Benedict Arnold from the time he was a boy.

Arnold grew up in one of the wealthiest and most influential families in New England at a time when honor meant everything. He was pulled by the dual forces of his mother’s religious fervor and his father’s public disgrace.

Arnold was an idealistic man who believed, like others in the Independence Movement, that achievement should determine your position in society rather than inheritance.

He was a merchant who refused to be subservient to what he viewed as repressive taxes set by the British.

A DUBIOUS ALIAS History comes down to who controls the narrative.

Today, Benedict Arnold is synonymous for “traitor,” along with words like betrayal, turncoat, and snake in the grass.

It’s been a marketing campaign of historic proportions, and one that some, including two locals, have spent the last 20 years working to put a different spin on.

“Look up fortitude in the dictionary and you’ll see us in there somewhere,” jokes Vertucci, a Saratoga resident who, in addition to being the co-founder of Talon Films is a seniorlevel marketing professional well-versed in communications.

“As Americans, our mythology is very important to us,” he continued. “We’re a relatively young country, and the Benedict Arnold story is like the 800 lb. gorilla no one wants to tackle.”

“What we’ve made is a postcard from here to the rest of the world,” said Tom Mercer. A local native, Mercer spent the first half of his career entrenched in government before becoming a writer and film producer. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Benedict Arnold joined the Continental forces after the first skirmish of the Revolutionary War at Lexington, and commissioned a colonel, helping to capture Britain’s Fort Ticonderoga in May 1775.

IDEALISTIC, IDOLIZED, ADORED On the blizzardy night of December 31st, 1775, Arnold was wounded in the leg during a bold attack on the walls of Quebec City.

In October 1776, and now a brigadier general, he delayed enemy forces in a battle on Lake Champlain’s Valcour Island. Despite the outcome, he was passed over for promotion to major general.

In 1777, Benedict Arnold disobeyed orders and fought at two battles in Saratoga, during which it was declared by Lt. Henry Livingston that he was “the light and soul of his troops”.

The decisive victory, which would later become known as the turning point of the war, allowed Benjamin Franklin to forge a much-need alliance with the French, and boosted army morale.

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THE BRUTAL REALITY OF WAR Anthony Vertucci learned the true nature of war and how it impacts the psyche from his father.

He was a marine who fought in the Pacific theatre during World War II. At the age of 19, he landed on the beach at Iwo Jima on D-Day. He was a man who, once his son grew up, never gave him a varnished version of the brutal realities inherent in human conflict.

“I was able to get another perspective from him once he realized the earnestness and purity in which I was asking the questions.”

“Some of the things he went through as a 19-year-old were unimaginable,” said Vertucci.

Whatever a man’s motivation had been at the start of the conflict, Vertucci realized, when it came down to it, his decisions were about survival.

ARNOLD’S DOWNFALL While in Saratoga, Arnold fought fiercely, sustaining a devastating wound to the same leg that had been injured during the siege of Quebec City.

Afterwards, he was made military commander of Philadelphia, the nation’s new capital. In April 1779, his questionable financial schemes resulted in Congress ordering him court martialed, and later that month, he married the socially ambitious Peggy Shippen (despite being 20-years her senior).

The following year, believing that he was doing what was best for himself and the nation, Arnold handed over plans for West Point’s defenses to British Major John Andre, who was later captured by three militiamen.

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Word of Arnold’s actions spread, and after the war, he lived the remainder of his days exiled in England - still subject to the arbitrary power that he’d tried so valiantly, and with much personal sacrifice, to vanquish.

THE SPEAR THAT COULD REWRITE HISTORY The film, “Benedict Arnold: Hero Betrayed” debuted at Universal Preservation Hall in November 2021, and is currently available on various streaming platforms.

In May this year, a CD of the documentary was released and a presentation given about the film at the New York Military Museum.

“I’m not a great history buff, but this was an opportunity to hear another side of it, so I was curious,” said Saratoga resident John Rockwell about why he attended the event.

Afterwards, veteran Vince Lanci, who had come up from Schodack, said, “My opinion about Benedict Arnold being a traitor is exactly the same - but I am going to go home and research it more.”

For more information, go to benedictarnoldherobetrayed.com

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PHOTO BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

HISTORIC RESTAURANT preserves paintings from the past 70 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2022

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All

while serving savory patriotic cuisine and abundant helpings of hometown hospitality on Ballston Spa turf

Nestled in the heart of Ballston Spa’s charming commercial district along the Milton Avenue stretch of Route 50 is a historic hospitality setting that longtime patrons and newcomers alike concur is a jewel in Saratoga County’s cultural crown.

WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH | PHOTO (ABOVE) BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM | HISTORICAL PHOTOS PROVIDED

Precisely what was on the menu or whether any artwork adorned the walls within the establishment that welcomed its first guests as The White House Restaurant & Café in 1856 is uncertain. What is certain is that the succession of patriotic proprietors who operated businesses on the premises since its brief incarnation as a hotel in the early 1900s are richly deserving of a heritage preservation award.

acquired it in 2001. The fact that none of the nine now framed oil paintings were signed by the mystery guest who reportedly created them from now antique postcard images and that some of the structures immortalized in the artworks have long since vanished from Ballston Spa streetscapes and surrounding landscapes only adds to their intrigue, notes Karen.

In addition to maintaining the architectural integrity of the pre-Civil War structure where Eggs Washington are offered alongside Eggs Benedict, all have done their part to ensure the preservation of an art-historymuseum-worthy collection of hand-painted murals that were crafted by a talented guest in exchange for room and board just over a century ago. The latest to have the masterpieces entrusted to their care inside of the white stucco landmark are David and Karen Fabian, who became President and Vice-President of the establishment now known as The Whitehouse Restaurant & Bar when they

The eyes of those who pass by the intersection of Milton Avenue and Front Street in 2022, for example, are drawn to a United States Post Office on the southwest corner and O’Brien Pharmacy on the northwest corner. But during much of the 1800s, the bustling Eagle Hotel stood on what is presently USPS property while the world-renowned Sans Souci resort graced an entire block on the opposite side of Front Street. The latter had boasted a grand ballroom with magnificent chandeliers that led to a courtyard where an ornate gazebo with drilled natural spring waters had delighted affluent visitors from far and wide.

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The Eagle Hotel on Front Street. Copy of Sepia print by W. Bronson Taylor, courtesy of the Maurice "Christopher" Morley Collection Hides-Franklin Bottling Plant in Ballston Spa. Courtesy of Maurice "Christopher" Morley Collection.

The largest of the paintings is an 8’ x 4’ rendering of the Hides-Franklin Bottling Plant whose exquisite castle-like design had included some 500-million-year-old fossil formations. The exquisite multi-sided stone structure along Malta Avenue near Ralph Street was demolished in the mid1900s and replaced by ranch-style houses. A smaller painting near the restaurant’s entrance depicts how the log cabin built by early Ballston Spa settlers Michael and Nicholas McDonald was believed to have looked in 1763. Other mesmerizing works-of-art capture the lines of the Old Iron Spring and the original (and still thriving!) Medbery Inn on Front Street as well as an image of The Aldridge Hotel before the still standing landmark that dates back to 1792 earned acclaim as “The First Respectable House at Brookside” – among other scenes that capture the spirit of bygone eras.

While the paintings are enjoyed by those seated at the 17 tables that can accommodate up to 71 guests in the front and back dining rooms, one need only enter the adjoining bar where an additional 16 guests may be seated to find pictorial evidence that Franklin Pierce was President of the United States when the original Ballston Spa White House opened its doors. No need to debate who succeeded Pierce following the November 1856 elections because a portrait of James Buchanan is displayed to his right within a gallery that honors all Presidents from George Washington to Joseph Biden. And there’s still room for nine more – which will take us into 2057 – the year of the 250th anniversary of the village's charter.

And while the POTUS gallery, vintage oil paintings and other historic artifacts and memorabilia contribute enormously to the ambiance, the year-round success of The Whitehouse Restaurant & Bar would not be possible without a combination of additional winning hospitality industry amenities that are important to its eclectic clientele. Those who patronize the Whitehouse run the gamut from blue and white-collar workers to military veterans and retired citizens from virtually every hop, skip, jump and walk of life. Tourists who patronize the food and beverage establishment include those visiting the nearby National Bottle Museum and the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum. During the summer months, guests additionally include representatives of NYRA and tourists bound for such neighboring destinations as the Saratoga Race Course.

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McDonald's Cabin, 1763 as depicted in this painting inside The White House Restaurant.

The White House 1856 to 1933

On Sundays, the interior resembles an interdenominational gathering with “regulars” stopping by on their way to or from church services. “Our customers include Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalians, Methodists and Presbyterians,” laughs Karen, who sometimes jokes with customers “The President will be cooking your eggs this morning.” She and David, who is the Whitehouse’s head chef as well as its manager, note that rather than calling to reserve tables, many “regulars” instead call only to “unreserve” tables.

“We actually keep a list by the phone of who to expect on a regular basis on which dates and times,” smiles Karen, who thoroughly enjoys being a hostess on weekends, but works full-time as a computer programmer during the week.

The Fabians are quick to salute the service of “Second-inCommand” Wendy Vedder Williams. The Ballston Spa High School alum rose to the ranks of Assistant Manager after demonstrating excellence in all aspects of the business, including those of a chef.

Even though both Karen (nee Crawford) and David have deep village roots, each had gone on to forge distinguished careers outside of their hometown prior to the turn-of-the-millennium. Although Karen is now able to work from a home-based office in Ballston Spa, at the time she and David became Whitehouse proprietors, she had been commuting to a professional tech setting in the Albany area while he had amassed a wealth of management experience representing a national restaurant chain that took him as far away as Springfield, Massachusetts and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The Fabians, who are looking forward to celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in 2024, were also busy in 2001 parenting daughter Ashley (BSHS Class of 2007) and son Joshua (BSHS Class of 2010.) Ashley went on to earn a business degree from Le Moyne College in Syracuse while Josh graduated from SUNY’s College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill. Ashley Fabian Buligione now serves as Quality Control Manager for a home health care company in the Syracuse area while Josh is self-employed as a cultivation specialist at JFabian Consulting, LLC. He also helps on weekends in the Whitehouse kitchen alongside his father (a BSHS Class of 1979 alum).

Worth noting is that if the bussers and servers at the Whitehouse seem to be “class acts” offering exceptional hospitality and service, it’s because (like Ashley and Josh before them), they truly take pride in being courteous, efficient and modeling a stellar work ethic. “The majority of the young people we employ are either Ballston Spa Central School District or the Saratoga Springs City School District students or alums of the high schools in these districts. This is often the first place many members of our wait staff and our kitchen help ever worked.” notes Karen, a SSHS Class of 1977 graduate. “Some continue to work here part-time while attending college so there’s a lot of continuity and a family-like atmosphere.”

The aromas originating in the kitchen further enhance the ambiance. Popular menu items run the gamut from the aforementioned Eggs Washington and Eggs Benedict to

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Eggs Reagan. Traditional omelets made with three large eggs laid by local cage-free hens are served with home fries and a choice of whole wheat, rye or homemade Italian toast.

Bacon, ham and sausages offer tempting side dishes, as do corned beef hash, grits and oatmeal. Then there are the breakfast sandwiches and wraps, including offerings with such veggies as green peppers, onions, mushrooms and tomatoes. In keeping with changing times, the restaurant also offers low carb omelets, sans home fries and toast, as well as specially prepared breakfasts for kids under age 10. Luncheon customers may choose between soups and salads, appetizers and entrees as diverse as sandwiches and wraps made with roasted turkey, grilled chicken or corned beef to quesadillas to fish fry with coleslaw. Then there are the scrumptious burgers prepared using lean beef!

And while American-as-apple-pie dessert choices are no longer on the menu, you can bet guests who opt to sample a certain “Specialty of the (White) House” will leave with warm memories of a different sort of freshly baked goods. The homemade edibles in question begin as dough that rises early in the mornings so it may be savored as homemade bread and rolls fashioned by President David himself. Now that’s something to write home about – perhaps on the back of a picture postcard that can be hand-stamped by a USPS clerk on the property where The Eagle Hotel once stood!

To learn more, please call 518.885.6797 or visit the Whitehouse Restaurant & Bar on Facebook. SS

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From Souvenirs to Décor Don’t n w o t e v lea without these!

SILVERWOOD HOME & GALLERY 398 Broadway, Saratoga Springs SilverwoodGalleries.com | 518-583-3600

TOGA HERITAGE 322 Broadway, Saratoga Springs TOGAheritage.com | 518-944-8951

@TOGAHERITAGE Saratoga Pennant Our vintage-style Saratoga pennant now has a big brother! Our new Saratoga Springs “camp flags” are classic, super cool, and made in NY!

Glass Carafe and Signs Celebrate your summer sipping from the Springs in Congress Park. Our Glass Carafe’s and signs make for the perfect gifting experience.

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Ice Bucket Ice bucket in our exclusive Saratoga Toile pattern features all the best of Saratoga in one classic pattern.

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SUMMER 2022

FASHION

PGS. 76-87

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There is always something to do in Saratoga Springs and in the summer, there is no better place to be! Whether you are headed to the race course, the lake, the parks, or downtown we have something for everyone! Plus, you might be lucky enough to see Upset, The Miniature Dark Horse, strolling the streets, make sure you check out his summer schedule!

Marianne is wearing our Classic Lightweight Quilted Vest and Ladies Quarter Zip, Maddy has on our Dark Horse Rain Shell and Garment Washed Quarter Zip. Our mini models have on an assortment of Dark Horse favorites!

ImpressionsSaratoga.com DarkHorseSaratoga.com Photo by SuperSourceMedia.com

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The Dark Horse Mercantile carries a carefully curated selection of Barbour

Saratoga Porch Packages are the “go to gift” and now we offer a “Track Pack” at Impressions

Souvenir Stickers galore at Impressions!

Upset and Jim Dandy Children’s Books, two tales about never giving up on yourself by local author and illustrator.

The Dark Horse Saratoga Corded Crew is hands down the sweatshirt to have this summer!

The Jockey Silks Tumbler Collection from Impressions make the perfect trackside drink ware.

Saratoga Under Armour available in both adults and youth at Dark Horse.

The Dark Horse is now carrying Skidmore College gear, show your thoroughbred pride!

Known as “The Everything Saratoga Store” Impressions has the largest selection of Saratoga Garments in town!

IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA: 368 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.587.0666 • IMPRESSIONSSARATOGA.COM THE DARK HORSE MERCANTILE: 445 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518-587-0689 • DARKHORSESARATOGA.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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PinkPaddock.com

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Lilly Pulitzer Madsen Midi Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Pilar Tunic Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Pamelyn Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Jesse Ruffle Romper

Lilly Pulitzer Anlee Midi Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Valli Shift Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Bente Romper

Lilly Pulitzer Florin Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Kimberle Maxi

358 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.587.4344 • PINKPADDOCK.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Keeping it casual but oh so sophisticated.

Wear this stunning 2-piece classic black and white leaf print ensemble to a backyard garden party or a summer evening on the patio.

SpokenSaratoga.com

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Your soon-to-be favorite dress has all the breezy comfort you need for summer. This supremely feminine style features a flattering elastic waist and a soft flutter sleeve.

Delicate yet bold strands of faux gold and beads will perfect and finish your favorite summer look.

The Saint Barths frayed bucket hat is a classic summer signature.

We "LOVE" it too!!

A gorgeous head-turner, this dress has the prettiest silhouette with soft ruffle sleeves and the ease for every occasion.

A "Fashion First" accessory that helps you see all the little moments.

Easy pull on jumpsuit with endless possibilities. Add your favorite necklace, a great jacket and be on your way.

Follow the sun in our vintage washed Desert Sky jacket.

Collector-worthy tops, tunics and fabulous dresses in fabrics that will keep you cool and coming back for more.

Sophistication and bright pops of the most luscious colors and fabrications will have you remembering the feel of summer.

27 CHURCH STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.587.2772 • SPOKENSARATOGA.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Photo by SuperSourceMedia.com taken at Circular Manor Bed & Breakfast.

Hair and makeup by Crown Salon

On Jess (left) Rails Paola Tank, $128 Agolde 90’s Crop Jean, $178 Seychelles Claim to Fame Sandal, $129 On Chelsea (middle) 7 for All Mankind Denim Jacket, $248 Rails Anya Skirt, $178 Seychelles Leeward Sandal, $119 On Laura (right) Rails Mina Dress, $228 Kaanas Kluang Wrap Sandal, $99 Lack of Color Mirage Fedora Hat, $139 VioletsofSaratoga.com

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Hudson Denim / Twist Tank, $88

Show Me Your Mumu / Best Bodysuit, $98

Seychelles / Bellissima Slide, $99

Agolde / Broken Waistband Jean, $228

Susana Monaco / Wide Strap Racer A-Line Dress, $168

Elliatt / Pamilla Off-Shoulder Dress, $250

Havaianas / Top Sandal, $20

Velvet by Graham & Spencer / Addison Shirt Dress, $229

Free People / Love is Everywhere Sandal, $138

494 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.584.4838 • VIOLETSOFSARATOGA.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Laidback Local Polo

by Johnnie-O UnionHallSupplyCo.com

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Sippin’ Easy Short Sleeves

by Fish Hippie

Show your Pride

by Hamilton & Adams

Vacation Mode Activated by Brax

Crisp Color Waves by Pig & Hen

Fishing for Compliments

by Fish Hippie

Vintage Vibes by Fair Harbor

Sunray Season by Faherty

The Perfect Pair by Pikolinos

Suns Out Prints Out by Fair Harbor

437 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.450.7025 • UNIONHALLSUPPLYCO.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Our new, exclusive Saratoga Toile line features Saratoga’s most iconic and best places and features, including SPAC, Congress Park, the Track, and more!

398 Broadway Saratoga Springs 518.583.3600 SilverwoodGalleries.com

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Outdoor Gear, Clothing & Footwear for Active Lifestyles!

490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs • (518) 584-3500 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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A Real Classic New Mexico 1966

Pike's Peak 1966

Father & Son Bond While Restoring Cars WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTO BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM | 1966 PHOTOS PROVIDED

FIXING UP AN OLD CAR is a project that requires a lot of time, a good amount of know-how, and a willing pair of hands.

When father and son do it together, the reward is more than a valuable piece of history, it’s a priceless bond.

LEGENDARY MODELS By the age of 10, Willie Gusten had already learned to drive from his father.

There were even rare gems, like the 1980 Mercedes 600 Landaulet that belonged to Romanian Dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. The 6-door convertible was one of only two made that year (the other was built for the Pope).

BUILT TO DRIVE During his lifetime, Willie has located and restored many cars of his own.

In 1955, he immigrated to America from Cologne, Germany and began working for Paragon Oldsmobile and eventually, Honda. This solidified a career lasting thirty years with the same company.

He prefers to bring them back to original condition and drive them until their odometers reach an astonishing number of miles – like the Honda CR-V that reached a whooping 398,000 miles before it was retired.

During this time, Willie was tasked with helping to fill a huge private car museum with more than 200 classic cars. These cars, in addition to being style icons, often came with a storied past. Among them were vehicles once owned by well-known figures including Lucille Ball, Rudolph Valentino, Gene Autry, Dwight Eisenhower, Martha Post, Nelson Rockefeller, Aristotle Onassis, and former New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia

When these cars were built, there was nothing like lanekeep assist, or automatic braking to hold you back (no matter how you wanted to drive).

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When you’re driving a classic car, you’re in control of every aspect of its operation. Many find their agility and responsiveness provide a more rewarding driving experience than today’s vehicles (which are full of electronic driving aids like traction, stability, and adaptive cruise control).

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Some of the oldest cars Willie owned and restored included a 1928 Packard and a ’31 Ford, but his favorite was a white 1962 Corvette with black interior that he used as a daily driver. He still has his original 1966 Corvette and the 1965 Corvette he and William restored together.

“We just had the best times in it,” he said.

GOING ON A TREASURE HUNT Far from being a solo endeavor, restoring cars is a pastime that Willie has always shared with his son, William.

“It’s always been in my blood and in my father’s blood. It’s a passion we share and it’s a bond that’s developed between us,” said William Unlike the modern mass-produced cars containing complicated equipment that’s more difficult to troubleshoot and fix (many times requiring a trip to the dealership) almost every antique automobile is much simpler.

“You were not dependent on car dealerships,” said Willie.

“If it’s made by two hands, it can be fixed by two hands.

There’s also a certain satisfaction that comes from repairing a part versus replacing it.”

It was often far from easy, however, and many times the build required a treasure hunt to locate parts – an endeavor that could necessitate sourcing parts from all over the country, or even the world.

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CRUISING IN CAR CULTURE In addition to restoring the cars, William has always looked forward to attending car shows and meeting others who have an eye for classic automobiles.

“I’m a car nut and never say, ‘no’ to a car show,” he said.

The Gusten family includes Willie; Willie’s wife of 55 years, Annelisa; his son William and his wife Adriane; and Willie’s granddaughter Christina, 11. They enjoy road trips and driving their carefully restored cars (which are never packed up and trailered) to a show.

“Why would we do that, the joy is in driving it and getting it there,” said William.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: BURNT HILLS CAR SHOW To everyone’s surprise, William chose to enter into medicine rather than pursuing his passion for cars full-time.

Inspired by a noble doctor in Queens, William now has more than 22 years of experience in the field and is currently one of the physicians at Saratoga Schenectady Gastroenterology Associates.

On Sat., June 25th, 10am – 3pm, his office is presenting the “Cruise-In for Colitis” car show, at 1 Wellness Drive, in Burnt Hills. In addition to an expected 100+ cars, there will be vendors, food, face painting, and mini-golf. It’s FREE to the public. There’s a $10 fee for cars entering the show.

For more information, email SSGAcarshow@gmail.com or find them on Facebook @SaratogaSchenectadyGastroAssociates SS

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SHAC The SoHo of Hudson Falls

In the same vein of reinvention as it’s downstate counterpart, the Sandy Hill Arts Center is re-energizing a once dormant urban area.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

A century ago, Hudson Falls thrived as a prosperous manufacturing center.

From 1900 until 1903, a huge hydroelectric dam was built at the border between Saratoga and Washington counties, powering entrepreneurs to get the town humming. They started the mills that successfully churned out a variety of products and filled the landscape with Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Italianate, French, and Colonial Revival style architecture.

In 1901, the five-story brick building on Main Street was constructed. A former Masonic temple, it lay dormant for 30 years before becoming the Sandy Hill Arts Center (SHAC), which (contrary the homonym its acronym suggests) is an architectural jewel of the Hudson Falls Historic District.

A HAPPY HAPPENSTANCE This May, SHAC received the Washington County Historical Society’s Preservation Award. The building’s two-year, $2 million renovation preserved much of its character while reimaging the space in a way that spurs new economic growth.

“Everyone involved is from Hudson Falls, so there’s a passion that is consistent throughout, which helps,” said Kendall McKernon, owner of SHAC’s longest tenant, the McKernon Gallery.

Like its neighbor, the Strand Theatre (a building that too was once going the way of the wrecking ball but has since been renovated and reopened), SHAC is attracting major talent.

“It’s such a cool, intimate venue, major acts love it. They love the crowd, the venue, the acoustics. They love the whole thing,” said Kendall.

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AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE OF FUN This spring, artists Fran Bull and Robert Black were enthralled by SHAC’s unique, adaptable, third-floor exhibition space.

Boasting impressive two-story arched windows and newlybuilt wrap-around benches, the room’s brick walls and dark woodwork is offset by an impressive white vaulted ceiling.

It proved to be the perfect backdrop to premiere the “Frobertan” collaborative venture, “We’re All at a Party Called Life on Earth,” featuring figures with madcap expressions who determinedly crusaded to carry us through the first years of Covid on a vivaciously joyful current.

ENCHANTING REMEMBRANCES Bill Nikas purchased the SHAC building in 2015, and Kendall McKernon, an interior designer for 40 years, opened the McKernon Gallery on its first floor the following year.

“I fell in love with Hudson Falls back when we started to spruce things up. It really isn’t for us, though, it is for the future,” said Kendall.

Today, the store has become an award-winner and a place where Kendall would like to shop himself, he said.

Its rooms are filled with things you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them; including Kendall’s poignantly beautiful photography prints and unique functional items, as well as wearable art, jewelry, specialty foods, gifts and souvenirs.

“It’s all been organic. What’s developed is this wonderful space with wonderful texture,” said Kendall. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

There’s clothing from the Crazy as a Loom Weaving Studio , Delores Thompson’s pottery, silver jewelry by Paula Anne Plog , John Kingsley’s woodwork and hybrid décor pieces, as well as iron hangers forged by Bee and Bramble’s Steve Mattison.

“These people are amazing. When I came into contact with them, I thought, ‘where have these people been hiding?’” remembers Kendall.

“The store’s grown in the best possible way,” he continued, “and it’s always changing, because that’s the way things work.”

AMAZING FOOD AND ART TO ENJOY The first floor is also home to Timeless Creations refurbished furniture, and a restaurant space that has housed DeNatale’s Restaurant and Bar for the last six months. Serving Italian pasta dishes, antipastos, and pizzas, it’s combination of great food and welcoming atmosphere has already earned it recognition as a local favorite.

SHAC’s fourth floor is home to art classes in the Learning Art Studio, and the long, unobstructed Pastellists’ Studio space, where award-winning artists David Francis, Matthew Kestner, and Corey Pitkin resurrect the medium’s relevance in the context of the modern world.

“The windows are incredible – the light is just constant all the time,” said David. “I’ve been in here working when there’s weddings or other celebrations going on upstairs and the noise doesn’t carry at all.”

SHAC SPEAKS Prominently placed on SHAC’s sign are its members’ tools of the trade. Reminiscent of its freemason forefathers, paintbrushes and a harp replace the instruments of the architect and builder beneath a pinnacle that extends into the horizon. It demonstrates the potential of a village stimulated by art-led development.

“Once people get here, you don’t have to talk about it anymore,” explains Kendall.

Across the street is the Village Booksmith’s two floors packed with thousands of books. There’s also walking and biking along the Glens Falls Feeder Canal trail, the charming J. Walter Juckett Memorial Park, and the almost two-million-dollar renovation to the Moran Derby Park to enhance the recreational opportunities in town.

Hudson Falls is a village sliding up the spectrum, light years from where it once was, yet, when you’re here, you still feel as if you’re in the company of friends.

“I’m so enthusiastic about where I live and where I’m from,” said Kendall. “I think we live in the best possible place.

The McKernon Gallery, 216 Main Street, Hudson Falls is open Wed. – Sat., 12 to 5 p.m., and Sun. 12 to 3 p.m.

On June 9th – July 31st, SHAC will be displaying “Rebound,” an exhibit of four Capital District professor’s sculptural work, curated by HFHS grad Dan Cameron.

From Aug. 6th – Oct. 12th see artisan-made crafts from the Adirondack Folk School.

For a full schedule of upcoming SHAC events and more information, go to sandyhillartscenter.com SS See more photos at SimplySaratoga.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Nothing Beats Northville Rotary’s Fun-filled, Annual

ARTS

Festival!

Piano hammers by Neil Pedersen, Steel ‘n Wood artist

I

WRITTEN BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH | PHOTOS PROVIDED

f you find yourself seeking artistic inspiration and a chance to visit dozens of incredibly diverse mini-galleries on a warm summer’s day, head to the Village of Northville the weekend of July 15-17 for Northville Rotary’s Thirteenth Annual Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend. This free, hugely popular indoor/outdoor event, held at the Bradt Municipal Building and Town Park at 412 S. Main Street, offers an amazing array of handcrafted

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The Northville Northampton Historical Museum, a former one-room schoolhouse adjacent to the Bradt building.

items as well as the chance to converse one-on-one with more than 60 accomplished artists in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Northville Rotary’s Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend provides people with the perfect opportunity to browse, shop, and rekindle their own creativity as they mingle with painters, photographers, weavers, Adirondack furniture makers, chain saw sculptors, woodworkers, potters, stained glass artists, jewelry makers and more, all eager to discuss what they do and how they do it. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

This festive three-day show, sponsored by the Northville Rotary, begins with a “Meet the Artists” reception Friday afternoon from 5-8:00 PM. It reopens Saturday from 9-4:00 and Sunday from 10-3. In addition to dozens of diverse displays, the event offers demonstrations, raffles, live music, concession stands, and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event help to fund Northville Rotary’s many year-round projects, including student scholarships, supporting other community events and organizations, and contributing to projects initiated by Rotary International.

Featured artist Diane Babcock at work in her tent.

Each year, two participants are chosen to be the show’s Featured Artists. Spotlighted this year are Diane Castle Babcock, a linoleum block printmaker from Penfield, NY, and Neil Pedersen, a Galway craftsman who designs and builds creations using unique combinations of wood and steel.

In her linoleum block prints, Diane Castle Babcock uses a process called reduction printing: a relief printing technique in which just one piece of linoleum is used to create a multicolored print. Working from lightest to darkest colors, the artist gradually removes, or reduces, more and more of the block with each sequential layer of color.

Great Sacandaga by Diane Castle Babcock, linoleum block printer.

“I have produced linoleum block print landscapes inspired by the Adirondacks and upstate New York for 40 years,” the artist explains. “My linoleum block prints include landscapes of night scenes, mountains, and white birch trees.” After retiring from a 15-year teaching career in Boonville, Babcock began working part-time at Monroe Community College in Rochester. “I just love working with students,” she says, “and by working fewer hours now, I can devote more time to my art.”

Neil Pedersen can’t remember a time when he wasn’t creating something with wood. “I started woodturning when I was 10 years old, using a wood lathe and hand-held tools,” he recalls, “and I worked as a contractor for many years. Now that I’m retired, I use my cabinet shop as my artist’s studio.”

Learning to weld had long been on Pedersen’s ‘bucket list.’ A few years back, he finally took the plunge and accomplished his goal. Armed with this newly-acquired skill, Pedersen began combining wood and steel to create wildly imaginative art like his piano hammer piece and guitar.

“If you can dream it, I can make it—I can probably make it,” he amends. “The crazier, the better. I only do one-off pieces.”

Bird’s nest by Neil Pedersen, Steel ‘n Wood artist.

Stained glass creations by Carolyn Wilcox.

Rustic Adirondack furniture

by Russ Gleaves.

Outdoor beverage tables by Van and MaryAnn Johnson.

Stained glass artist Carolyn Wilcox of Hope looks forward every year to taking part in Northville’s three-day arts festival.

“Northville Rotary is a good organization, and its woodworking show organizers treat their artists really well. Rotary does a lot for our community, and it’s a joy to participate with them.”

Woodworkers Van and MaryAnn Johnson of Greenfield Center couldn’t agree more. “There is always a lot of support from the event organizers and a large turnout of people from the community and beyond. We’re always happy to support the club’s fundraising efforts.”

Northville Rotary’s Thirteenth Annual Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend takes place July 15-17, rain or shine. So gather friends and family together and head to the Village of Northville for an event you’ll find yourself eagerly revisiting year after year!

To learn more, visit: northvillerotary.com Neil Pedersen may be reached at steelnwood65@gmail.com To see Diane Castle Babcock’s distinctive Adirondack linoleum block prints, cards, and birch bark frames, visit www.dianeslinoleumprints.com or her Facebook Page: Diane Castle Babcock, printmaker. SS

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FISHING UP

FUN

WRITTEN BY DIANE WHITTEN, FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATOR, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY

Get off the phones and get outside!

Fishing is a great summertime activity for any age, and it’s a great way for people of all ages to have fun together. Many people fondly remember being taught how to fish by a parent or grandparent, so dig out those fishing poles and nets, and find a fishing spot.

Some of the best places to fish include... the Great Sacandaga Lake where the largest Pike caught in NYS came from, The Kayaderosseras aka Kaydeross Creek which is stocked with trout, Geyser Creek in the Saratoga Spa State Park, Moreau Lake State Park, Saratoga Lake, Ballston Lake and Round Lake.

The Dept. of Environmental Conservation has maps that show access points with parking at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html.

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CATCH & RELEASE Most anglers in Saratoga County practice Catch & Release fishing because they don’t intend to eat the fish they catch. You can enjoy the thrill of catching a fish, then let it back into the water. Make sure you handle the fish correctly, so it will survive when you put it back. Check out some videos online or read about the best practices to ensure fish survival.

FISHING FOR FOOD Fishing is fun and eating fish provides a healthy source of protein in the family meal plan. Some people go on annual fishing trips to catch enough fish to last the year, freezing or canning it for a quick meal at a later time.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County has resources on food preservation methods at www.ccesaratoga.org. Most of the fish you catch in New York State are healthy to eat, however not all. The NYS Dept. of Health (DOH) has advisories in place regarding certain fish from specific bodies of water.

THE HUDSON RIVER The most critical body of water in our area where fish advisories are in place is the Hudson River. If you fish in the Hudson River between Hudson Falls Dam and the Federal Dam in Troy you must catch and release the fish you catch due to pollutants in the fish that could be harmful to your health. Check out the NYS DOH website for details on fish advisories for all public access water bodies at www.health.ny.gov/fish.

FISHING LICENSE Remember that anyone 16 and older must have a fishing license when fishing in waters open to public access. A license can be obtained from the DEC online at this website, Fishing Licenses - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation or www.dec.ny.gov/ permits, or by phone: 1-866-933-2257, Walmart also sells fishing licenses.

NY State Free Fishing Days: June 25-26, 2022 – no license required. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Kid Activities

Parks &

Playgrounds

There’s lots of outdoor fun to be had in the Saratoga area! Our Park & Playground Guide will help you choose your next outdoor adventure spot. PLAY ON!

Company

Playground

Swimming

Boating/ Fishing

Biking

Picnicking Allowed

Covered Pavilions

Sports Fields

Walking/ Hiking

Dog Run

Burgess-Kimball Park Rowland Street, Ballston Spa 518-885-9220 ext. 110 townofmiltonny.org Malta Ecological Park Malta | malta-town.org Division Street Recreation Division & Beekman St, Saratoga 518-587-3550

West side Sprinklers

East Side Recreation Field Lake at Granger Ave, Saratoga 518-587-3550

Sprinklers

Gavin Park 10 Lewis Dr, Saratoga 518-584-9455 | townofwilton.com

Youth Programs Offered All Year

Skate Park

Hudson Crossing Park Schuylerville | 518-350-PARK hudsoncrossingpark.org Kelley Park Ralph St, Ballston Spa 518-884-2572 or 518-885-3261

Skate Park

Moreau Lake State Park Route 9, Exit 17S of I-87 nyparks.state.ny.us Reservations 1-800-456-2267 Saratoga Spa State Park 19 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga 518-584-2535 saratogaspastatepark.org Shenentaha Creek Park 376 East Line Rd, Ballston Spa maltaparkrec.com Wilton Wildlife Preserve Route 50 North, Wilton 518-450-0321 | townofwilton.com Malta Community Park 285 Plains Rd, Malta 518-899-4411 | malta-town.org

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Books Books Books

GE’S JACK WELCH AND ME A Terrifying Corporate Tale Told Out of School

BY JPV OLIVER, GENT

Jack Welch was for 20 years, the feared and fearsome chairman of the General Electric Company and, when he retired, he received a severance payment of $417 million, the largest such payout in history up to then.

In my nearly 20 years as a speechwriter, media spokesman and dogsbody at GE Capital, I encountered Jack more than once. There is, alas, only one story I can reveal without jeopardizing my pension.

A senior HR executive at the company told me the company’s computer programs were incapable of calculating the stunning enormity of his stipend.

Welch was renowned for ruthlessness and a giant brain.

Fortune Magazine declared him the greatest corporate manager of the 20th Century and he created a host of practices now commonplace in businesses around the world.

The payments were mind-blowing in their excess (GE paid for his toilet paper, socks, flower arrangements and nail clippers) and he got one of the firm’s Boeing Business Jets for his personal travel - think Air Force 1 for corporate poohbahs.

When The Wall Street Journal broke the story, an uproar ensued and much of the money was clawed back.

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The “Force Fit” HR program was one such. It required that managers put staff in one of three groups every year Promote, Develop and Sack - and it was strictly enforced.

The number of people in each category was controlled, so every year some group arbitrarily got the boot.

In GE-speak, it was, “Rank and Yank.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Jack wasn’t all work. At business conferences, he’d be in the hotel bar chatting up wide-eyed administrative assistants till time was called and then be up at 7 am for a jog.

He terrified even seasoned executives.

I witnessed one division president become unwell in the men’s room moments before his presentation to the chairman.

Another poor unfortunate was in the middle of his PowerPoint pitch to a large group when Welch turned to a vice chairman and shouted, “This asshole’s gotta go. He has no idea what he’s doing” at which moment the exexecutive decamped to spend more time with his family.

To have a long career at GE, you must be a continuous learner. Prior to one promotion, I had to spend three weeks at the company’s corporate business school in Crotonville, NY, in an MBA-style course organized by the Harvard Business School and taught by the best academics from the US, the UK and France.

As a media spokesman, if I got something wrong and was quoted in the Wall Street Journal or the Financial Times, the GE Board of Directors, every senior leader, shareholders, analysts, competitors and, of course, Welch himself, read it. It was a job with long stretches of boredom punctuated by moments of high terror.

Summing up my every molecule of courage, I said, “Mr Welch, my name is Oliver and I’m the spokesman for GE Capital.” The room went deathly quiet with another Christian about to eaten by the lion.

At long last, JFW growled, “I know who you are. Keep doing what you’re doing. Next.”

That wasn’t the happiest moment of my three weeks.

The happiest moment was when I got a B and passed the course. To this day, I have no idea how such a preposterous thing happened.

It was the most demanding academic experience of my life - and I went to graduate school in England - I know demanding. To be promoted, I had to get a grade of B or better. With my unprepossessing intellect, this seemed highly unlikely.

Like Mike Pence, a lot of business executives don’t know what charisma is. Jack was an exception.

The apex of the three-week slog was an appearance by The Holy of Holies, John Francis “Jack” Welch, Ph D, who, by then, had only days left at GE. The effect of his presence on the 170 students and faculty was - forgive the expression - electric. When I say it was as if Mick Jagger had just popped in, I do not exaggerate.

His purpose was two-fold, to discuss each business unit represented in the 150-member class and to troll for talent not yet spied by the HR operatives.

Sitting in a far corner, this he did with every student, and, in every case, he knew more than the executive did about his or her own division. He did so sans notes, advisors, or a computer.

It was dazzling. Welch cited facts, arcane financial details, products, weak points, and things he wanted done differently - and did so effortlessly 150 times.

It had all been jolly enough, until he got to the chap next to me, an MBA of enormous ability and accomplishment.

There’s no nice way to put this - Jack eviscerated the guy, and, by the end, the victim’s hands were shaking so badly, he was unable to write for the rest of the day.

It was gruesome to watch so successful a person with his entrails splashed about the place. For me, this was exacerbated by the fact that I was next. The mood in the hall turned grim, with people taking a sudden interest in their shoes.

Witnessing this corporate execution, my heart began to race, and I expected to be flayed too. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

From Chris:

Anything regarding Jack Welch fascinates me and I love JPV Oliver’s style! His first book was laugh out loud funny and this memoir of his time with Jack just flies across the page – I can’t wait for his next book!

Saratoga Springs resident, JPV Oliver, Gent’s, new memoir, I Know This Looks Bad: Errors and Graces in a Louche Life, is available in bookshops and online.

More at LoucheLife.substack.com.

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Books Books Books INFOGRAPHIC GUIDE TO CREATING STORIES

BY HANK QUENSE

Who doesn’t have the next Great American Novel in them (or even a racy paperback?!) This informative, easy to read book by Hank Quense walks you through step by step.

Make your time at the Victoria Pool productive, and we could be reading your book next summer!

THE GHOSTLY TALES OF SARATOGA BY KATE BYRNE THE GHOSTLY TALES OF THE ADIRONDACKS BY KAREN EMILY MILLER Rewritten for the middle-grade audience, these terrifically terrifying tales bring local history to life – even if the main players are dead!

Ghosts, hauntings, legends, and unexplained phenomena keep readers rapt, and celebrate local history and lore.

When your kids are done with these – grab them, you’ll enjoy them too!

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OFF THE NORTHWAY

BY STEPHEN WILLIAMS

Whether you’ve been coming here for years, or this is your first time to the area – this is a great read!

The Saratoga County History Center is pleased to announce the publication of a new book by longtime local journalist Stephen Williams. Off the Northway is a compilation of 83 articles from his column of the same name published in the Daily Gazette from 2006 through 2020.

NEW YORK’SGREATEST THOROUGHBREDS

BY ALLAN CARTER

From the heartfelt tribute from his wife (Allan passed in April), to the moving foreword from Michael Veitch; Historian at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, this book grabbed me. A great read for any racing fan!

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H&G

Randall Perry Photography

Let Us Show You Around...

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cturally SPEAKING Follow us as we explore some of the area's unique spaces...

Randall Perry Photography

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Functional Saratoga’s rich heritage directs a new paradigm for

comfortable splendor

Keep your eye on the many tasks going on at once in the kitchen with

adjustable lighting from London.

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Luxury WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

This 3,700 sq. ft., 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath modern Colonial Revival home in the new Oak Ridge neighborhood is a model of

authentic

intentions and quality craftsmanship.

“Our vision is to make upstate living beautiful through design and function, and this home reflects that perfectly,” said Natalie Caruso, Caruso Builder’s Vice President of Sales and an Associate Broker with Keller Williams Realty.

A standout in the 2021 Showcase of Homes, it won awards for best workmanship, master bath, interior decorating, and kitchen in a luxury home. It was also runnerup for best exterior architectural design in the luxury category and won Best in Building Awards for Best Design of a Private Residence and the Best Kitchen Design from the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association.

“Aesthetic details—like the master bath’s lilac marble or the floorto-ceiling stucco fireplace—don’t precede function. Each design decision was made to perfectly complement the owners’ entertaining lifestyle, while subtle equestrian details throughout the home uniquely reflect its Saratoga locale,” added Natalie.

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Randall Perry Photography

Reviving Traditional Style This bold design is one of 16 homes on Jenna Jo Avenue that Caruso Builders is constructing in the lavishly charming Oak Ridge neighborhood, settled between Fish Creek and Meadowbrook Road in Eastern Saratoga County.

The houses here are carefully curated to be chic with high-quality details that feel smart, not frivolous.

This home’s vivid exterior color, peaked roof, and rectangular Pella windows are set off by a stone foundation, and landscaping by Kulak’s Nursery.

Ornate Appearances To design and construct the house over an extended two-year time span that straddled the pandemic, Caruso Builders and the New Jersey-based Plan Architecture’s virtual meetings were punctuated with road trips to take-in the surroundings Upstate.

“Our goal was to recreate Old Saratoga in modern form,” said Anthony Caruso, President of Caruso Builders.

One way this was done was with archways appearing in the front and rear of the house, as well as within. Decorative corbels have been added to elevate the design, giving it an ornate appearance itching with old-world elegance.

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Randall Perry Photography

Consciously Spacious Thanks to the clever usage of clerestories - a second row of windows placed above eye level - the two-story great room has a pleasant brightness.

Architectural Designer A.J. Alvarez utilized an old school technique by placing the clerestories higher on the wall to let in more of that gloriously glowing ambient light.

The subtly-angled fireplace, with hand-applied stucco

by Donna Mock, is finished with a surround made by Adirondack Precision Cut Stone from delicately-veined white marble quarried from nearby Danby, Vermont.

A bashfully contemplative equestrian painting by local artist Tom Myott (one of three commissioned for the home) directs the eye toward the archway (and another one of his paintings) leading into the master suite.

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A Charming Kitchen Wood flooring is placed continuously throughout the great room and into the open kitchen and dining area, making the area feel even more spacious.

To create balance, these light tones are mimicked on the ceiling, said Tina Konstas, Plan Architecture’s Interior Design Director. They are a pleasingly bold contrast to the cabinets, supplied by Zarrillo’s Custom Kitchens.

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By using elements reminiscent of another time – like dark colors, large slabs of marble, an oversized range hood, and a trough sink – the historical and the modern meet.

There was even room in the layout for an adjacent pantry, side foyer with lots of built-in storage, beverage station and wine room.

Opening the French sliding doors reveals a slate patio with a lovely outdoor kitchen and dining area equipped with all the current conveniences from Marcella’s Appliance Center. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Upstairs

, you’re greeted by a

comfortable seating area with landing kitchenette. There are also three bedrooms, two full baths, a media room, and a laundry area tucked in behind a sliding barn door.

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Randall Perry Photography

A Generous Master The open ceiling and secondfloor loft above the master suite are supported by beams and iron brackets that harken back to the building’s bucolic influences.

An impressive walk-through master bath invites you to luxuriate in the water; whether it’s by soaking in the claw-foot tub or enjoying the cascade pouring from the glass shower’s two waterfall facets.

At the far end of the space, there’s a walk-in custom closet that’s so big it gets its own chandelier.

Take a virtual tour of this home atsaratogashowcaseofhomes.com/ home/caruso-builders SS

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Colleen's Picks

A Carefully Curated Selection of HOME DÉCOR ITEMS WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC

Colleen Coleman is the Principal of CMC Design Studio LLC located in Saratoga Springs. With certifications in Kitchen & Bath Design, Aging in Place and True Color Expert, her curated design extends into all areas of her field including new construction, historical and major renovations. Her passion is in designing & customizing hand-crafted cabinets for all areas of the residential market.

In the midst of preparations for the summer season, I find myself constantly rethinking my outdoor entertaining spaces. I love being at the pool and seeing all my flowers bloom throughout the warm weather. It reminds me of why I love NY summers so much. The refreshing evening air beside a firepit after a day of sun and laughter leads me to believe I will always have a home here in the Saratoga Area.

I know personally, that after living in my home for 25 years and raising three boys, that it’s time to make some updates, especially to the outdoor spaces we love so much this time of year! Are you ready to shake up a few things to make your entertaining space a “WOW!”? Then join me…It’s going to be a fun ride!!

To start, why not treat yourself to a new cooking island or bar for the deck instead of buying just a grill or new ice bucket on a stand? It’s time to honor the master griller and mixologist of the house! I know, you may not be confident in your ability to build a structure worthy of your yard (or to find someone who is capable to do it for you!) Look no further!

MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE is now featuring the XO Outdoor Kitchen and Designer Islands… which arrives FULLY ASSEMBLED and ready for your appliances to be installed! Each unit is crafted of durable commercial grade fiber cement panels. With three colors to choose from; black, gray, and white, this through-color material ensures long-lasting endurance. The Carrera quartz surface top conjures an element of sophistication while remaining steadfast even in the hottest of summer days. Select from a variety of sizes and options such as the XOGOK42V1 kitchen which includes a 42" Pro Grade grill head, 42” combo drawer/access door, 20” twin trash plus recycling unit, 60,000 BTU Twin Ring Burner and a 16” Dual Drawer unit. With dramatic blue LED illuminated controls, your experience in outdoor cooking is only looking better! Now check out the powerful, interchangeable 22,000 BTU burners, each separated by a removeable divider to create independent cooking zones. And a significant upgrade from your old grill is the 0 1000° in one-minute exclusive InfraRed Ceramic burner that lets you quickly adjust temperatures to sear like your favorite steakhouse!

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MARCELLA'S APPLIANCE 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park MarcellasAppliance.com | 518-952-7700

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MARCELLA'S APPLIANCE 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park MarcellasAppliance.com | 518-952-7700

GRANITE & MARBLE WORKS 8 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton GraniteAndMarbleworks.com | 518-584-2800

THE FURNITURE HOUSE 1254 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs TheFurnitureHouseNY.com | 518-587-9865

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Another option is the XOGOKBARV1, with a 30" cocktail station, 24” access door and 24” outdoor refrigerator. The cocktail station consists of a stainless-steel ice bin with cover and drink garnish tray to make any bar tender jealous. Slice up the limes and lemons on the incorporated bamboo cutting tray…or remove both of these and use the wide 30” sink to clean up at the end of the day! The front speed rail can hold a multitude of mixers while the handy towel bar and bottle opener completes the appeal of buying one for yourself without delay!

Be sure to contact Marcella’s Appliance to find out which size and combination would best suite your needs for an outdoor kitchen or bar space!

Now, if you have already fancied yourself with an outdoor kitchen but wished you went all out with that stone top, you can easily upgrade with a onestop-shop at GRANITE AND MARBLE WORKS! Celebrating their 20th year in business, they have always been my go-to supplier for any stone, even refreshing older stone pieces for my clients. Selecting from their variety of stones sourced worldwide is easy, choosing may be a different story! Their ability to display all their full slabs offers the viewer a chance to witness how each piece would transform their personal projects. Take for instance the Brazilian Sequoia Brown Leathered Hard Marble with its ebb and flow of layers of various shades of brown with wide veining. Be sure to keep your stone top covered (especially in the winter months) when not in use to maintain its splendor for years. Go ahead, give yourself an upgrade at the grill and outdoor kitchen area. You’ll be glad you finally did!

Now, with all this transformation on the outdoor cooking end, you may want to give a glance at your current outdoor furniture situation and determine if it’s time to say farewell. I know, spray paint can extend the life of that old set, but maybe it’s just time to hand down that job to your kids at their homes and bring in a new set which has long been needed poolside! For a modern, yet classic look, head over to THE FURNITURE HOUSE to find the Monaco Collection by Summer Classics. Crafted of wrought iron, the collection features an elegant profile with luxurious detailing. The sloping arms and “X” detailing creates a timeless setting in any yard. The endless collection makes for a perfect mix and match for any sized patio or porch. Choose from their stately crafted chaise lounge, sofa, or lounge chairs (with or without springs). The dining collection offers both armless side chairs or with arms, plus, don’t forget to update your counter or bar stools to complete your set! Summer Classics has a full range of outdoor furnishings including N-DURA™ RESIN WICKER, RESYSTA®, HIGH WOOD and more. If you’re unfamiliar with these enduring materials, be sure to stop in at The Furniture House with all your questions…I’m sure they’ll be happy to design an outdoor space worthy of your next decade (or more) of entertaining!

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Colleen's Picks Okay, so I am moving inside but this is worth chatting about as it’s the coolest thing since the ice chest had been invented!! I’m sure you’ve heard of the Fiat automobile from Italy. Well, back in the 1950s, Fiat and SMEG (Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla, its Italian name) collaborated to make appliances. Now at EARL B. FEIDEN APPLIANCES, you can capture a bit of history with this Fiat X SMEG Red Electric Cooler! Miles of fun without the cost of filling the tank…except with beverages of choice!

While this highly collectable Fiat 500 bonnet doesn’t move, it offers miles of inspiration to any bar area… including a retro pool house! Imagine your guests’ surprise when they’re told to lift the hood…it’s a contagious experience for automobile lover’s to those who cherish a bit of the past crossbred into the future! This handmade cooler is fit with all genuine Fiat 500 parts. The bonnet’s vintage style hinges open to reveal three removeable bottle holders and one removeable shelf for canned drinks. With the bonnet opened, the two sliding glass doors keep your beverage chilled to perfection until needed.

The Thermostat gauge and other controls rest on the dash with an authentic SMEG 500 front plate. The choice of colors; blue, red, green, white, and yellow, make it easy to incorporate into any space. So let down your hair, feel the wind in your face and hit the gas pedal…The Fiat X SMEG is waiting for you to take it out for a spin!

And last, but certainly not least, I wanted to bring us all in for the night with the cozy feel of hand knotted wool rugs beneath our feet. I know you must think, “Wool? Isn’t that for winter?” Yes, but it is also a year-round material. You see, wool can withdraw moisture away from the skin allowing you to stay cool throughout the day. Think of a lite cardigan summer sweater. So underfoot, wool is cozy no matter the season! At JACOBSEN RUGS, they source thousands of hand knotted rugs to make any area of your home feel cozy no matter the temperature outdoors. Take for instance this 9x12 Serapi Rug, distinguished by its large center medallion, usually of blue and surrounded by a red or terracotta geometric shape, in this case a diamond. These rugs employ a wide range of colors from red, blue, green, yellow, ivory, and pink, allowing them to be well suited in any room.

Each handmade rug takes about 6 months to craft, then trim, wash and dry on large racks. It’s no wonder they cost a bit more, but their legacy of high wear has been proven for centuries. It’s a onetime purchase as your investment only increases in value, even with use! …For more information on how to select an Oriental Rug, increase your knowledge of these rugs and the regions they’re from, see my upcoming article “Know Your Knots” in the Showcase of Homes Magazine 2022 which will be out in September.

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THE FURNITURE HOUSE 1254 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs TheFurnitureHouseNY.com | 518-587-9865

EARL B. FEIDEN APPLIANCE 1771 U.S. 9, Clifton Park | 518-383-2215 785 U.S. 9, Latham | 518-785-8555 EarlBFeiden.com

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JACOBSEN’S RUGS 543 Broadway, Saratoga Springs JacobsenRugs.com | 518-583-2044

Aren’t those pieces just inspiring! I love working with the local shops in and around Saratoga to share their distinctive goods with all of you! I also love learning new things each time I write this article. I’m inspired by the people, the questions they ask and my personal need to explain the “why” when I’m working with my clients and recommending one item over another.

It’s important to me that my clients’ projects reflect who they are. It should also be important to you that your home reflects who you are! Let me know if there’s a topic you’d like to know more about. You can email me at colleen@cmcdesignstudio. net. Have a wonderful summer season! I wish you the sunniest of days, starry nights and lots of strolling down our Saratoga walkways with friends and family!

Until next time my friends,

Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC AKBD, CAPS & True Color Expert colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net #cmcdesignstudiollc “Creating Environments for Life” TM SS

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Decorating with Garage Sale Finds

10

Tips to Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck When Thrifting!

WRITTEN BY COLLEEN PAUSLEY OF LIFE ON KAYDEROSS CREEK | PHOTOS PROVIDED

I love hitting up garage/yard sales or flea markets for great finds for my home. You can’t beat the prices and can really find great projects to create something unique for your home on a budget.

Here are 10 tips to make the most of your time and money...

1

If you are going to multiple garage sales in a neighborhood, a flea market or a large antique fair, bring a tote bag or backpack to carry your small buys. You should also bring a water bottle, tissues (if there are porta-potties), hand sanitizer and baby wipes. The baby wipes can be used to clean your hands but also to clean off a piece that may have a layer of grime on it so you can see it better. I usually pack a small snack, too (you need to keep up your strength up for the long haul and wouldn’t want to be hangry while you’re dickering. :)

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2

Look through the stuff you already have so you know what you DON’T NEED. Even if you find something that is super cheap, you are still wasting time and money if you already have 10 others and it will just end up in a pile in your basement.

3

Keep a running list of what you DO need/want. If I see projects on Pinterest that I want to try or something cool someone used to decorate with, I keep a list and just add to it here and there.

4

Bring measurements with you of the things you are searching for. You don’t want to be guess-timating this and end up spending money on something you don’t need and don’t have space for. “I think it will fit” are 5 words you don’t want to say when there is no return policy. Don’t forget a tape measure.

5

Check the weather ahead of time. Wear the right clothes.

Layer if you’re not sure. Wear the right shoes! I would recommend shoes with a closed toe. If it’s rained the few days prior it could still be muddy and there are always things stacked on the ground you could slam your foot into.

6

Make sure you have small bills. The last thing someone wants to do first thing in the morning is break your $20. When you’re ready to pay, don’t be afraid to dicker a little bit, people expect it. Remember, you get more flies with sugar…be nice and respectful. Go into it with a price you are willing to pay in your head. If it’s more than that, simply say thank you and walk away.

7 8

Map it out. If you are going around your area, map out a route to take so that you are not back tracking. That way you’ll make the most of your time and gas!

Make sure that item that catches your eye is clean. A little bit of dirt can be washed off but if it’s stained and you’re not sure about getting it clean, skip it. You have to judge if the amount of work that has to go into it is worth the cheap price. The same goes with the smell.

9

Make sure the furniture has good “bones”. It should be sturdy. A couple of lose nails is one thing but if it’s completely falling apart, skip it unless you have some good woodworking skills (or your husband does :)) Again, what is your time worth? Also, it may be more expensive to actually fix it if you need parts.

10

One last tip, after I purchase my goodies and put them in the car, I always go back for one more walk around if it’s doable because you never know what you may have missed. Who knows? They might bring more stuff out!

Thrifting is a great way to decorate on a budget but also to add unique character to your home. Be prepared and you’ll make the most of your time and money.

For more budget friendly decorating ideas and DIY projects, visit www.mylifeonkayderosscreek.com. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SS

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Home Management and

Summer

Vacations

No matter how big or how small, how near or how far..

Vacations are fun.

Nevertheless, they create a bit of chaos in our home management systems.

WRITTEN BY SARA KELLY

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A bit of chaos that is prepared for can be minimized and easily dealt with. Being unprepared and dealing with it at 2:00 in the morning returning from a trip and realizing the trash wasn’t emptied and the house smells like your last meal (and not in a good way!) is a recipe for frustration and a few R-rated words.

The goal is not to just prevent catastrophes from occurring, but to create a smooth transition back from vacation life to home life. To go from smiling, happy, cozy family time at the beach to yelling, crying, frustrated family unpacking the car can be an abrupt about face.

And you may end up never wanting to plan another vacation : (

What is the craziest mishap that happened to your home during a vacation?

Share your story and home management questions with Sara@YourAlignedHome.com.

SS

Your home is an organization with departments.

Plan ahead of time for how each department will need to adjust for your vacation.

Examples: Office: Pay bills ahead of time that will be due while you are gone or shortly after you return. Put your mail on hold.

Laundry: Before the trip, do as much laundry ahead of time knowing that when you return it will be overflowing.

Kitchen: Empty the fridge of about-to-spoil items and have ready-to-eat items in the freezer that can be easily cooked on your return. Wash all dishes, and leave dishwasher door cracked open.

Bathrooms: Flush all the toilets and leave the seat up (unless kitty is curious, then door closed!).

Living Things: Water your plants, feed the fish, and book that dog sitter way ahead of time.

Bonus level is putting all of your home specific instructions in a document that you can print off for each trip and check off the tasks as they are completed.

Time to type it up and print it out - five minutes. Peace of mind... priceless!

This extra time to prevent frustrations can help create that smooth transition lane so the happy vacation memories linger a little bit longer and you are excited to plan your next trip instead of regretting taking the last one. So, after you have booked those plane tickets and hotel reservations, game plan your home preparations to make your return as smooth as possible.

Savor those vacation feelings for as long as you can! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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In the Kitchen WITH

JOHN REARDON

Hello my Foodie Friends!

It’s summer time and the beautiful weather always brings back memories of growing up with a big family. My brothers and sisters were well known in the neighborhood as the “go to” family for activities. Since there was no internet or cell phones, we had to entertain ourselves with projects and activities. My mom was so relieved when we wanted to stay outside. On one hot summer day, I got the idea to build a drag racer gocart. I was the idea man and my younger brother Dan, was the designer. We had to have a race car that supported three boys ages 7, 6 and 5. It had to include a driver in the front, a brake man in the middle and a parachute man in the back seat. We asked my mother if we could use some of the wood my father had stored in the shed. She thought for a moment and said sure and to make sure we did not do anything dangerous. We also needed to borrow my father’s tools! This was not something my father would have said yes to. His tools were his prized possessions. Some people like gold and some people like classic cars. My father loved his tools! He would take a marker and draw an outline around his tools so if anyone touched them he’d know if they were not exactly in the same position he left them. Even if they were off by the smallest of position, he’d know triggering an investigation.

The Reardon boys went into stealth mode and got the tools we needed. The wood was harder since it was very heavy and the main part of the frame was about seven feet long. My father kept a spare mail box post at all times. We used it to start and scavenged the neighborhood for seats, axles and wheels. Of course we recruited other little kids to help. We called our vehicle “The Spirit of America”, as we had heard it broke the world land speed record! We made this thing with no experience but my brother’s brains. Remember he was six, so of course you would think it wouldn’t work. After three days of tireless work we had a prototype. Now I bet you’re wondering about my Dad’s tools? Well, we were very good about putting them back exactly the way they were so Dad didn’t notice. We were also lucky that he was working 12 hour days and was exhausted when he got home. The day we were going to test it all the mom’s got together for a little party to watch all twelve little boys try out their creation.

My mother was so proud of us for working together, and for making her a little popular with the other moms. They all sat out on our front lawn on a beautiful summer day with their “adult Kool-aids” as they called them. We brought the “Spirit of America” to the top of our high hill street and the

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first riders were John in front, Dan in the middle on brakes and Billy in the back with the parachute. The moment came and they others pushed us off waiting for their turn and we took off. We were flying down the hill in this big heavy gocart was giving us all she had. As we were going down the hill, my mother was yelling “slow down”, and I told Dan to hit the brakes but they failed. No worries, we had Billy with the parachute. I yelled back to him to “throw the Chute!” My five year old brother smiled and threw the parachute – and throw it he did! There was a problem since no one thought to tie the chute to the go cart. As a result, it just landed on the road behind us. Thinking quickly, I steered TSOA to the our neighbor’s (the Keneficts) yard because they never mowed their lawn, so the grass was helpfully high. We slowed down nicely and all the kids in the neighborhood were cheering.

The ladies with their “adult Kool-Aids” were in shock but laughing because we were all right. To this day when I see people from the old neighborhood they reminisce about the “The Spirit of America”. I hope all my Foodie Friends enjoy your summer and your “adult Kool-Aids” drinks. With the summer heat, a refreshing summer cocktail is a great way to stay cool. Whether it’s a refreshing spritz, bright and tart sangria, or frosty margarita, summer cocktails are a great way to cool off. Helpful tools in making your summer drinks include a citrus squeezer, muddler, swizzle sticks, cocktail jigger, cocktail shaker, and strainer.

Using citrus fruits is a great way to invigorate summer cocktails with orange, lemon, or lime flavors. Using fresh juice makes for the best drinks. The citrus squeezer is a handheld tool used to gently squeeze fresh juices. It is efficient and easy to store. The two arms are held together with a hinge that helps when pressing.

The muddler is basically a stick you use to smash ingredients into a bottom of a glass. It is used like a pestle to mash or muddle fruits, herbs, and spices. The classic muddler is a rod with a slight flare on one end and a flat surface or teeth on the other side.

Both the flat surface and the teeth surface are appropriate for “muddling”. The purpose to “muddle” is to release fresh flavors to the liquid that will enhance your drink. Bartenders use a muddler to crush ingredients such as lemons, limes, and mint against the glass before pouring ice in. The muddler can also be used to stir a drink. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Cucumber Cilantro Margarita This is a refreshing, summery spin on a margarita. “Muddling” is a fancy term for smashing vegetables and herbs to release their juices and essential oils. In this case you smash a few pieces of cucumber and a sprig of cilantro in a cocktail shaker before adding the alcohol

INGREDIENTS • 4 thin slices peeled cucumber

• 2 1/2 ounces silver tequila

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, plus 1 sprig

• 2 ounces triple sec

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• Large ice cubes

• 3 lime wedges

• Juice of 1 fresh lime • Kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS • Muddle 3 slices cucumber, 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, the sugar and 1 lime wedge in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.

• Add the tequila, triple sec and lime juice.

• Fill the shaker with ice and shake heavily.

• Rub a rocks glass with the remaining 2 lime wedges and coat with salt (optional).

• Fill a glass with ice and strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with the cilantro sprig and remaining cucumber slice.

Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay

Another important tool to consider for your summer cocktails is the swizzle stick. The swizzle stick is used to mix drinks that are filled with crushed ice. The stick helps to gently combine cocktail ingredients without over diluting the drink. The best way to use a swizzle stick is to pour your ingredients into a glass half-filled with crushed ice. Immerse the stick and hold the shaft between the palms of both hands while rotating the stick. The spinning motion of the stick mixes and aerates the drink.

pleasant to sip. You can also use the cocktail shaker to mix your non-alcoholic creations. The cocktail strainer is used to prevent ice from falling into the cocktail. It is placed over the mouth of a cocktail glass or the shaker. Depending on the drink you are making, you may need the strainer to remove the ice, fruit or other solids you do not want in your drink. The cocktail jigger is a common bar essential used to measure capacities depending on the drink you are making to help ensure consistency in providing a quality drink.

Remember to have a cocktail shaker, strainer, and jigger available for your drinks. The cocktail shaker is an essential tool you will need to make many of the cocktails you may be creating this summer season. The majority of cocktail recipes call for the ingredients to be shaken using a cocktail shaker. It is by far the most used, enjoyable, and entertaining method for preparing mixed drinks and it's unbelievably simple.

The primary purpose for shaking cocktails is to completely integrate all of the drink's ingredients in order to create one beautiful blend of flavor. The shake is the most thorough way to mix drinks and, if you notice, the majority of cocktail recipes recommend this technique.

Not everyone is into drinking alcoholic beverages during the summer month. However, you do not need to be limited to just soda or water. There are endless drinks that can be made without the spirits. You can still combine all of the flavors for your drink to make that summer mocktail.

The goal of shaking is to: Thoroughly mix the drink's ingredients and create a unified flavor and give the drink a good chill. The use of a cocktail shaker can add enough dilution to knock the strength of the drink down so it is more saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Cool down this summer with refreshing drinks for the whole family, adults only, or just to kick back and enjoy relaxation.

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, for the accoutrements you may need to make your culinary and beverage creations. Have fun in the sun or relax on the back patio with a good book and a frozen drink in the warm summer months.. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care, John & Paula

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Entertaining WITH

RALPH VINCENT

Ideas for relaxed entertaining your guests will love …and you will too!

Supper Under the Stars Hello friends!

The Turquoise Daiquiri

Summer is upon us with warm weather and longer days. There is so much to do in the Spa City this time of year, especially in the evening! I have a way to make a fun summer night last even longer…an afterthe-event supper party served outside under the stars. I have a supper menu that can quickly be ready to serve, and much of it can be prepared ahead of time.

These are the ingredients for one drink, multiply them by the number of drinks you will need, mix in a pitcher ahead of time and refrigerate until serving time.

Let’s start off with a delish cocktail I call the Turquoise Daiquiri. This beauty can be made in batches and kept chilled in your fridge until you are ready to serve.

To accompany the drinks is a small plate appetizer, my Sweet Pepper and Mozzarella Salad with a Thai inspired dressing. While your guests are sipping and nibbling, you can cook my Easy Grilled Potatoes and Onions. They are prepared in a foil packet on the grill for minimal fuss and cleanup. After the potatoes are done cooking let them rest while you get the Swordfish Steaks with Chili Lime Butter ready. Dessert is easy too with a homemade Summer Berry Compote served over ice cream or gelato. And don’t forget your wine loving friends and stop by Purdy’s Discount Wine and Liquor for an amazing selection and expert advice.

DIRECTIONS: Pour the ingredients into an ice filled “rocks” glass and stir. Cheers!

As always, I hope you enjoy these recipes.

Until next time have fun in your kitchen, enjoy cooking for the people you love and remember… it doesn’t have to be

perfect, it just has to taste good!

SS

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• 1.5 ounces of white rum • 2 ounces of pineapple juice • ½ ounce of fresh lime juice • ½ ounce of Blue Curacao

Sweet Pepper and Mozzarella Salad with Thai Red Curry Vinaigrette • 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil • ½ cup of rice wine vinegar • 1-teaspoon Thai red curry paste • ¼-teaspoon salt for the vinaigrette and more for the cheese and peppers • 1 pound of fresh mozzarella cheese cut into ¼-inch thick slices • 1 cup of thinly sliced orange, red, or yellow sweet bell peppers DIRECTIONS: Whisk the rice wine vinegar, red curry paste and salt together. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until blended. Arrange the sliced mozzarella on a serving plate, top with the peppers, cover with clastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve lightly salt the mozzarella and peppers and drizzle the dressing over them. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Grilled Potatoes & Onions

Mixed Summer Berry Compote

• 2 pounds of yellow potatoes scrubbed, cut into bite size pieces • 1 medium purple onion thinly sliced • 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano • 1 teaspoon of Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt • Fresh ground black pepper to taste • Heavy-duty aluminum foil

• 1 cup of fresh blueberries, rinsed

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 1 cup of fresh raspberries, rinsed

• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon of agave nectar

DIRECTIONS: Place the potatoes and onion in a large bowl and toss with the olive oil until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook preheat a gas grill on medium high heat. Add the seasonings to the potatoes and onions and a little more olive oil if needed and toss to combine. Place a large sheet of heavy-duty foil on a large baking sheet and place the potato and onion mixture in the center. Pull up the long edges of the foil over the mixture and tightly crimp the two sides together.

Crimp the other two sides tightly and make a few one-inch slits on the top of the foil. Using tongs carefully slide the foil packet onto the grill rack and cook for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Using tongs carefully slide the packet onto the baking sheet and set aside to rest while you prepare the swordfish.

NOTE: Prepare this compote the day before and refrigerate until serving time.

DIRECTIONS: In a saucepan combine the berries, lemon juice, vanilla and cinnamon and cook on medium heat for about four minutes or until the mixture is bubbling. Stir in the Agave Nectar and simmer on low heat for about two minutes more. Remove from heat. When cooled taste and add more agave nectar if needed. Refrigerate in a covered container until dessert time. To serve, place a few scoops of ice cream or gelato in individual bowls and top with a tablespoon of two of the compote.

Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Chili Lime Butter • ½ cup of salted butter softened • Zest of one small lime • 1.5 teaspoons of chili powder • ½ teaspoon of minced garlic • 6 swordfish steaks • 1 tablespoon of olive extra virgin oil DIRECTIONS: In a small bowl, combine the butter, lime zest, chili powder and garlic. Place the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap and roll into a log shape, refrigerate. When you are ready to cook, preheat a gas grill to high heat. Brush each side of the swordfish steaks with the olive oil.

Grill the swordfish about four minutes on each side or until flaky and cooked through. Remove the swordfish to a serving platter. Cut the Chili Lime Butter into ¼-inch slices and place a slice or two on each swordfish steak.

Serve any remaining Chili Lime Butter at the table if desired. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Forecast Mix

Gardening WITH

En vy

PETER BOWDEN

For the Love of Zinnias Q

ue en

Li m eO

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ver the years, I’ve watched with amusement as different plants that have been around for many years suddenly get “discovered” and there’s a resurgence in popularity. Zinnias are enjoying just such resurgence now… and with good reason.

The original zinnias are native to Mexico and Central America where they were found there by Johann Zinn in the 1700s who named them after himself. They were then bred to produce the many types found today.

Zinderella

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There are dozens of varieties of zinnias that can grow to nearly 4’ or remain as short as 18”. Zinnias also come in just about every color in the rainbow from pure white to pink, red, orange, yellow and even green. Flowers can be as large as 3” across or as small as a quarter.

They can have flowers with a single row of petals or complex with many rows of petals and ruffles.

until frost. Make sure to get them into water as soon as they are cut. Only cut fully opened flowers since they will stop opening once cut.

We aren’t the only creatures that love zinnias either. They are amazingly attractive and useful for attracting pollinators. If you grow zinnias, you can expect to enjoy lots of different butterflies visiting your yard including the showy Monarch Butterflies who seem to love zinnias more that all the other flowers.

Our Ruby Throated Hummingbirds also seem to prefer them.

Once the zinnias come into flower, the beds come alive with joyful pollinators. We once counted 14 Monarchs at one time flitting from flower to flower…quite a spectacle!

What endears zinnias to many gardeners is that they are wonderful for cutting. Once cut the flowers hold up for a long time in the vase. They re-bloom quickly so there’s an endless supply from late spring right up

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In ca

Zinnias have a reputation for being easy to grow. They can be sown directly into the garden in late May or be started inside a few weeks ahead of time for earlier flowering. They love full sun and thrive in drier conditions so choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun during the growing season.

If you are looking for an annual that provides a lot of “bang for the buck” look for zinnias. Easy, prolific flowering, great for cutting and attractive to colorful and joyous pollinators… what more could you want from an annual?

THANKS FOR THE READ!

SS

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HISTORY PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

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W.C. WHITNEY

Saving the Saratoga Race Course

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WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL

ummer in Saratoga. That rather short sentence means many things to many people in Saratoga Springs. To me as a young boy, growing up in the city, it meant a variety of things.

As a student, it meant summer vacation, pick-up games of baseball and riding my bicycle all over the city. As an older boy and eventual man, it meant racing season and therefore the racetrack. The city always seemed to come alive with the races each summer and you were reminded of exactly how historic and special the race meet was every summer.

To many people the year 1863 is thought to be the beginning of racing at Saratoga, but it started even before that date. Many accounts tell of street racing in the 1820s when summer visitors were eager to prove exactly whose horse was fastest even if it meant the streets were “the track.” Locals were quick to try to stop this very dangerous activity, but it seemed to persist for years. A New York State law in the 1800s prohibited organized horse racing in the state except at the State Fair each year.

In September of 1847, the New York State Fair was held in Saratoga Springs. The site of the fair was near the present-day Saratoga Race Course. As preparations were made for the opening of the fair, a racetrack was constructed. In typical Saratoga fashion, races were held all summer prior to the fair’s opening and billed as “speed trials,” not races. Yes, the desire to race horses at Saratoga was alive and well at a date prior to 1863!

In 1863 when John Morrissey and a small group of others prepared to try Thoroughbred racing at Saratoga, it is no coincidence that they used the old track that we know today as Horse Haven. August of 1863 was during the height of the American Civil War and horses were scarce.

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The racing “experiment” was held August 3-6 of that year with only a few horses available for racing. Time trials were held and an eventual winner was crowned named Lizzie W. The experiment had been run and the results were conclusive.

Yes, the public would support horse racing in the city. A total of 15,000 people attended those first races, each paying a $1 admission fee. John Morrissey, along with investors and racing enthusiasts Leonard Jerome, John Hunter and William Travers decided to buy land across the street from Horse Haven and construct a new track that would open in August of 1864. Thoroughbred racing at Saratoga was here to stay, but it does not mean there wouldn’t be problems in the future.

The original group of investors formed the Saratoga Association and raced horses each summer on the new site for many years. They added more comforts for visitors to make the daily experience better and supported honest, fair races for horse owners. The model was solid and supported a high level of racing for years at Saratoga. We must remind ourselves that most visitors to Saratoga in those days stayed in the grand hotels that offered their biggest meal of the day at 2:00 p.m.

The hours of racing reflected that fact and were shorter each day to allow visitors to return to those hotels for the 2:00 meal. Although not a long list of races each day, the races were fair and continued to be an activity that summer visitors embraced.

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In 1892, a new person to the race scene at Saratoga bought the operations from the Saratoga Association. This new person was Gottfried Waldbaum. Waldbaum was a notorious track owner who ran the outlaw Guttenburg Track in New Jersey. The operations of our wonderful Saratoga track began to change. Waldbaum was famous for fixing races, decreasing racing purses and running crooked race book operations. Waldbaum adjusted the daily start time for the track to suit his personal needs. It didn’t take horse owners long to realize the days of fair racing were gone under Waldbaum and they began to leave the track with their horses. The racing operations at Saratoga were under attack and horse racing began to plummet under Waldbaum’s direction. Racing at Saratoga was really in trouble.

It became clear that our villain in this story would be Gottfried Waldbaum.

Now enter our hero W. C. Whitney.

William Collins Whitney was born in 1841 as the third child of James Whitney and Laurinda Collins in Conway Massachusetts. William’s father was a longtime member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

W.C. attended Yale University and then Harvard Law and upon graduation, he was hired by a law firm and worked to curb fraud in New York City. Whitney’s actions curtailed the power of corrupt Tammany Hall and Boss Tweed and he soon became known as an honorable man. Later Whitney was appointed as Secretary of the Navy, under President Grover Cleveland and worked hard to update naval operations. He also held major positions in many companies such as American Tobacco, Metropolitan Steamship, Morton Trust, U.S. Guaranty Trust and NYC Transit System. Later Whitney’s reputation was so strong that he was even considered for the possible nomination as the Democratic candidate for President of the United States.

In the mid 1890s Whitney began to scale back his political and governmental actions and began to find joy in horse racing as a hobby.

He was introduced to the sport by August Belmont II and worked to form

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a stable of competitive racing horses.

As his love of racing grew, he could not help but realize the decline of the famed Saratoga track, and identified that Waldbaum’s actions were the reason for the decline.

In 1900, W.C. Whitney and Richard T. Wilson Jr. joined forces and purchased the Saratoga track from Gottfried Waldbaum for the price of $365,000.

Within a few months of purchase the 1901 racing season was about to begin. Without adequate time to renovate the track, they ran the race meet making soft changes for the first season. Whitney in the first season of his operation, increased racing purses, added more stake races, cleaned up the corruption and only took 5% of the profits from bettors and paid the remainder of the profit back to bettors and made improvements to the track.

Horsemen saw the difference and they returned to honest racing at Saratoga in droves. The change was on.

During the 1901 off-season Whitney was able to purchase more land, and do major renovation to the racetrack and the grandstands to make the experience better for visitors and horsemen alike. He added barns, paddocks, re-configured the racing surface, moved and expanded the grandstand, and hired famed NYC architect Charles Leavitt to beautify the track. One of the greatest additions under the leadership of Whitney was to build the Oklahoma training track. Oklahoma has always been a training track. Today Oklahoma is an economic asset for Saratoga County. The training track opens for horsemen near the end of April and operates until the first week in November. Trainers love to send their young two-year-old horses for training at Oklahoma. Because of its popularity, there are large numbers of horses that are stabled there requiring training, care and feed, plus farrier and vet services for months. That infusion of money and jobs into the local economy is well understood.

One of the most common questions I have been asked over the years by locals and visitors to Saratoga is why was the area named Oklahoma? I

have researched and asked many questions on this topic and it all leads back to just one basic story. Difficult to prove the story, but I find it interesting to consider. The story tells of a famed horse trainer that was training for a stable that was located on the farthest location of the Oklahoma property.

One day while working on the main track, he was greeted by a long-time friend who welcomed him back to Saratoga for another season of racing. The friend asked “Where are you training this year?” The trainer answered “Over there,” pointing to the west. The friend said, “Where over there?” The trainer replied, “It’s so far away it might as well be in Oklahoma!” The story is interesting but not able to be totally proven as truth, especially after asking the family of the noted trainer Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons who also had not heard that story. Such goes the lore of the famed Saratoga Racetrack.

As we enter into the 2022 racing season, we are reminded of how special racing is at Saratoga. I hope everyone will also realize that the continued success of the track is not a given and future heroes like W.C. Whitney may have to come forward to ensure success in the future. Even though W.C. Whitney rescued the track in 1900, the Whitney name continued to be a big part of the track.

W.C.’s son was Harry Payne Whitney who married Gertrude Vanderbilt and had a son named C.V. Whitney.

C.V. married Marie Louise Schweder (Marylou). C.V. and Marylou embraced the city of Saratoga and showered it with gifts of all kinds. Now that both have passed, we can see many buildings, funds or activities that have the Whitney named attached.

The second biggest stakes race of the summer bears their name as the Whitney is still contested at Saratoga.

I doubt that W.C. Whitney would have even considered the impact he and his family would have on Saratoga for decades after rescuing the track in 1900, but they did so much. Saratoga Race Course is the finest horse racing location in the country and something we should all be proud to have in our great city. SS

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Rarely Seen Photos of

OLD SARATOGA Springs WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

SARATOGA RACE TRACK, IN THE 1860S This image of the track in the early days of operation shows the original grandstands and racing surface before they would be reconstructed in 1901.

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SARATOGA RACE COURSE 1919 This image shows a track that is looking closer to the configuration of the present-day track. Notice the lower right of the lower open building, which was the betting shed. Before betting windows and tote machines, bets were made with about 100 bookies that were all located in the betting shed.

1847 STATE FAIR This image shows a drawing of the construction of the 1847 NY State Fair that was held in Saratoga Springs, near the present-day race track.

Horse racing was a big draw at the state fair.

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On SPOT. .

This

FASIG-TIPTON WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE | PHOTOS PROVIDED

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The original Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion was an open-air pavilion with folding chairs.

It was located to the west of today’s enclosed Sales ring.

From the Beatrice Sweeney postcard collection

ow could a facility that basically operates five days a year be a vibrant and vital part of our community's history? 153 George Street is arguably the least used spot in Saratoga Springs, certainly for a place so integral to the city. Often called "The Crown Jewel" of the Fasig-Tipton Company Yearling Sales, the gleaming facility on George Street is open just two weeks a year. The barns, outdoor paddock where horses are paraded for inspection and the air-conditioned horseshoe-shaped auction Pavilion are only fully used four nights each August and one mid-October day each year. Yet during the four days of the yearling sales held each mid-August, more money passes through our community than at any other time. Top breeders worldwide bring their fillies and colts to the sales, where trainers and owners bid on them at jaw-dropping prices. Last year, Saratoga's yearling sales totaled almost 74 million dollars. The sales draw international visitors who love staying in our homes and hotels, and wine and dine in our many fine restaurants.

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The pristine grounds are closed, yet meticulously cared for by plant manager Manuel Hernandez for the rest of the year.

So what came before "On This Spot"?

Maps of Saratoga in the 1830s show this area of town as rural, undeveloped land. In the mid-1800s, Caleb Mitchell, three-time village president, owned the property where today's sales ring sits. Mitchell owned 75 percent of the land north of Union Avenue to Phila Street.

According to the February 10, 1917 edition of the Saratogian, "FasigTipton Vice President D. Eugene Blankenhorn bought a lot on George Street, on which the sales ring will be erected, from Cale Mitchell."

Formed in 1898 by William B. Fasig and Edward A. Tipton, Fasig-Tipton Co. is North America's oldest Thoroughbred auction company. After William Fasig died in 1903, Tipton took on Enoch James Tranter as his partner.

The Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga sale has roots that stretch back to 1918 when Fasig-Tipton allied with some of the top Kentucky breeders to sell their yearlings during the race meet in upstate New York. In the second year of the sales, Samuel D. Riddle paid $5000 for a colt he named "Man Of War." The big red horse went on to win nearly $250,000 before he was retired to stud in 1921.

The yearling sales were viewed by W.C. Whitney, the man responsible for saving our historic racetrack in 1901, as "an experiment which could greatly add to the attractiveness of the Saratoga meetings" An article in the Daily Racing Form from 1917 says,"There is nothing to do of mornings except drink water, and as water drinking sometimes becomes monotonous, Mr. Whitney believes that all Saratoga would turn out to attend yearling sales."

Whitney was correct.

In a 2022 interview, Terence Collier, a former marketing director and auctioneer said, "Everyone in the horse world is in Saratoga."

Asked to explain Saratoga's position as the "Tiffany of Horse Sales," Collier adds, "When asked 'Why do you rob banks?' a criminal says, "Because that's where the money is." In other words, all the best horses are here, so everyone in the horse world follows.

From the Beatrice Sweeney postcard collection

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In the 1920s, the auction format was much different from today.

During most of the race meet, the sales were conducted every weeknight following that day's races. Also different was that entire consignments would go to the ring in a block. The large consignors would often have their own night in the auction pavilion, being the only stable represented that evening. The dress code was very formal. The auction staff all sported white dinner jacket tuxedos.

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Some things remain the same today. For one, hip numbers designate each unnamed horse. Top prices are paid for the horses with the best bloodlines. Handlers bring the horse into the ring, and "spotters," who are educated in the language of the auction, stand in the aisles interpreting bids, which are often signaled by a nod, a flick of a finger, or a raised pencil.

The horses are led out of the auction ring and the purchaser signs the sales slip agreeing to pay 25% of the price before leaving the grounds.

In the early 60s, my family lived on Mitchell Street. The sales pavilion was an open-air structure a few hundred yards from my back bedroom window. Wooden folding chairs lined the barnlike pavilion, and electric fans provided cooling air. Onlookers could easily peer in and observe the crowd and the auction.

I looked forward to the first week of August. Excitement mounted as long trailers filled with yearlings pulled into the lot across the street from our side yard. Once the neighing yearlings were loaded into the green stables of Fasig-Tipton, it was as if the circus had come to town.

I had a front-row seat to the best show in town! Where else could an eight-year-old visit and even pet such magnificent creatures up close? Humphrey S. Finney's biography says, "When I got my first glimpse of a Thoroughbred, I decided here was nature's most handsome gift to man."

In pre-computer days, lineage signs on each stable were hand painted in a 24 hour a day operation.

Postcard from the Beatrice Sweeney postcard collection.

I couldn't agree more. No one stopped my neighborhood friend Lynne and me from entering the grounds. We'd survey the barns every afternoon. The top half of the stable was open, allowing me to look deep into the eyes of these magnificent creatures that towered over me. I wasn't assessing the pedigrees of animals that cost more than my house. Instead, I admired them like fine art in a museum. I always preferred chestnut fillies with a unique white marking on the nose.

Where else could we see exotic cars and glamourous stars up close?

Socialite and horsewoman Liz Whitney Tibbett owned a Rolls-Royce, a car like none I'd ever seen. She parked it outside my bedroom window in the empty lot owned by Mr. Henning, who made a lot of money parking cars for the races and sales. On one memorable occasion, Kitty Carlisle, known to me as a star on "To Tell the Truth," sat a few feet away in the open-air amphitheater.

Each sultry August evening, through my bedroom window screen, the distinctive voice of the horse sales auctioneer, Laddie Dance, floated into my room. The rhythm and tempo of his singsong chant lulled me to sleep. Occasionally he would pause to remind his audience of the merits of a particular colt or filly, only to resume again with more confidence, building my bedtime story to a climax and ending with the pounding of a wooden hammer.

As the sales continued to grow in popularity and the quality of horses and their prices increased, Humphrey S. Finney, president of FasigTipton, recognized the need for a larger, air-conditioned facility.

Prospective horse buyers survey the barns of Fasig-Tipton.

This 1966 postcard from the Beatrice Sweeney collection says, “In 1966 two hundred thirty-seven yearlings were sold for $4,629,700, a world record average of $19,535.”

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Architect James G. McCulloh designed a horseshoe-shaped structure that seated 700 people on the main floor and 300 people on the balcony floor. James Kettlewell's Architectural History of Saratoga Springs says, "The design is a dramatic instance of the austere simplicity that characterized the Modern style."

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After some pushback from neighbors, concerned the new pavilion would obstruct their "sight line," Cozzolino Construction Company of Albany built the "state of the art" $400,000 pavilion.

The much-needed modern facility opened for the 48th annual yearling sale in August 1968.

For the next forty years, a few minor changes occurred.

In 1987 the Spuyten Duyvil bar at 157 George Street closed. The Fasig-Tipton property bordered this wellknown bar on three sides.

Opened in 1947 by Cotton Club dancer Virginia Wheeler, the bar was so full of life and people that it drew horse bidders away from the auction. Prizewinning author Philip Roth claimed it as "his favorite watering hole."

Alfred Vanderbilt, Fred Astaire, and Andy Warhol sipped drinks on the unpretentious patio, validating the Saratogian's ad - "Where the elite meet."

Opened seasonally only, their customers were primarily tourists rather than locals.

An aerial view of the original layout of Fasig-Tipton. Note the location of the open-air pavilion and the empty field where today’s Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion stands.

The Spuyten Duyvil Bar is directly across from Case Street. Photo courtesy of Fasig-Tipton.

Once the racing set started favoring Virginia's garden bar area instead of remaining at the sales to hear Laddie Dancer's voice announcing the next hip number, Fasig-Tipton decided to intervene. They offered to install closed-circuit monitors free of charge in Virginia's garden area and piano bar space. Carole Ione, Virginia's granddaughter, describes sales week at Spuyten Duyvil as "what happens when Euphoria meets Bedlam."

Map showing original ownership of land

In 1987, after operating Spuyten Duyvil for four decades, Virginia decided to close her beloved restaurant and bar. Fasig Tipton purchased the property.

Unfortunately, it was in disrepair and had to be torn down. Today it is hard to imagine the house ever being there.

The new sales Pavilion after it opened in 1968 was dedicated to longtime employee Humphrey S. Finney

A significant change occurred when Synergy Investments Ltd, a Dubai-based company, purchased Fasig-Tipton in 2008.

As a result, they made countless improvements: a timber-framed walking ring, new restrooms, an improved sound system, and snack, restaurant, and bar areas, all within the existing grounds.

In 2021, Fasig-Tipton celebrated its hundredth year of sales. (There was an interruption during World War II and again during the Covid pandemic in 2020.) Each night about 2000 people from all walks of life gather on the sales grounds.

Some describe it as "the best cocktail party you'll ever go to." It's a fashion show. It's glitz. It's glamour. You have to have this experience at least once if you've never been. This year the Saratoga Sales are on August 8 and 9th, and the New York Bred Sales are on August 14 and 15th.

My favorite time to come is the week before the sale when the grounds are open and Mazzone Catering has its pop-up restaurant. The white linen tablecloths are set, and you can get the best lobster roll this side of Maine. Then, as you sit and have lunch with friends, you see the immaculate grounds maintained year-round by Manny and his staff. "Nature's most handsome gift to man" are paraded in front of you. It's one of my favorite things about summer here. SS

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Spa Lodging WRITTEN BY BILL ORZELL

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aratoga Springs has attracted tourists and visitors for centuries. The Queen of the Spas with her mineral waters, along with the spectacle of Thoroughbred racing and attendant sales, has long been a sustaining economic engine. The community is also home to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Many have traveled here, from across the globe, to participate.

The Washburne House on Washington Street in Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Springs souvenir c. 1906.

Courtesy of Library of Congress Collection.

Legendary hotels once stood along Broadway to accommodate the summer crowds, large and opulent; it is fascinating to consider their history.

Yet also intriguing were the lesser lodgings, situated away from the main thoroughfare, and mostly seasonal.

One such location was the Washburne House at 39-41 Washington Street, a federal-style structure which began serving the public in 1878. The proprietor touted the 100 rooms available in a delightful central location surrounded by a fetching lawn, convenient to the Springs, and handsomely furnished with all the modern improvements. Mr. Washburne’s advertisements assured his potential customers that his table and appointments were strictly firstclass. Prominent local philanthropists Spencer and Katrina Trask, just prior to his unexpected 1909 death, purchased the Washburne House and 140 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2022

The Empire Hotel on Grove Street & Maple Avenye in Saratoga Springs. Courtesy of Boston Public Library, Digital Commonwealth Collection.

made it a gift to the nearby Bethesda Episcopal Church for use as a Parish House and Sunday School.

Another “off-the-beaten-path” establishment where many Spa tourists gravitated was the Vermont House operated by Clarissa and Benjamin Dyer, who had relocated from the Green Mountain State to the corner of Grove and Front Streets. These street names do not register on our maps today, as Grove Street is now known as Ellsworth Jones Place, and Front Street was renamed Maple Avenue, the present-day site of the Saratoga Springs City Center. This spot was formerly occupied by the Dyer’s temperance boarding house commencing in 1868.

In 1871, the Dyers erected a three story brick building, in a hotel style.

This structure was further improved in 1875 by adding a mansard fourth story and roof top solarium. Clarissa, widowed in 1877, continued operation

The Kensington Hotel on Union Avenue at Regent Street in Saratoga Springs. Detroit Publishing Catalogue (1901-1906). Library of Congress Control Number 2106808887

of the Vermont House on her own.

A succeeding proprietor, Mr. R.D. McDonald, advertised the hotel as accommodating 100 guests and that “our tables will be as good as any.” Early in the twentieth century the structure was renamed the Empire Hotel. The hotel was close to the Empire, Star and High Rock Springs and would seasonally advertise as “the old Reliable House.” This domicile operated for many years, graciously providing for generations of customers, later offering a kosher kitchen. In the late 1940s the Empire Hotel was one of a number in Saratoga Springs that offered “free entertainment and Jewish theatrical shows for patrons.” In October 1973, the building sustained a damaging fire, and material destruction to the third and fourth floors. The City Center replaced this venerable facility on the same location, and welcomed its first guest in 1984. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The Carlsbad on Franklin Square in Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Springs souvenir c. 1906. Courtesy of Library of Congress Collection.

Directly across Maple Avenue, where the new parking ramp now stands, was the Elmwood Hall which advertised that their accommodations included over an acre of shaded lawn for tennis and croquet for their guests. The Elmwood, catering to the many who might enjoy peace and quiet at a downtown accommodation at the old Spa, notably advertised that they provided “No Bar,” a far cry from the present.

The largest of the hotels located off Broadway was the Kensington Hotel, sited on Union Avenue at Regent Street, and arguably the most attractive hostel in Saratoga Springs, opened in 1882. Their 250 rooms were housed in an “L” shaped brick five story building, with impressive columned piazzas along the entire length, and tiered balconies at each end. These commodious piazzas permitted dining al fresco, and live music with evening dances known as hops, to take place. The interesting shape of the lodging allowed for an attractive greensward, full of blooming flowers, where eye-catching entrances could be made by visitors.

The interior décor of the Kensington was mixed black walnut and cherry woodwork, mirrors, elegant furniture and parlors, lofty ceilings and carpeting, with guests reaching their rooms by elevator and through broad halls. As with the Broadway hotels, the Kensington Hotel sponsored a stakes race at the Saratoga Race Course.

Several ownership groups were involved in the hotel’s brief presence, with the most notable being the German emigree Paul C. Grening. The Albany Journal in 1887 described him thus; “Mr. Grening conducts the hotel saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The Beverly Manor on North Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Courtesy of Boston Public Library, Digital Commonwealth Collection.

more for the satisfaction it gives him than for the income he receives from it.” He prided himself on the table he set for his guests; his chefs and bakers were of the highest caliber, and he entertained diners with one of the world’s largest music boxes. He was part of a group of proprietors who were determined to brew a select premium-hop beer, known as “India Wharf Brew,” offered only in choice establishments. Mr. Grening in 1891 was instrumentally involved with Gottfried Walbaum purchasing the Saratoga Race Course, and afterward, became the treasurer of the Saratoga Association. Paul Grening’s numerous properties proved detrimental to the Kensington Hotel when he found himself overextended to his creditors in 1894. The Hotel on Union Avenue passed through various management arrangements until 1909, when it was purchased by Union Avenue neighbors, then demolished, and the property eventually gifted to Skidmore College.

The Beckmore Hotel operated in the unique and attractive trapezoidal building at the five-points on Lincoln Avenue, and this proximity to the race track made the location popular.

The Germania House was located on Mitchell at Ludlow Street, on property where the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame now prominently stands. This public house was later converted to accommodate Saratoga’s indigent children. The Carlsbad, later known as the Hotel Russell, was built at 6 Franklin Square in 1840 and appealed to those visitors who desired Saratoga’s mineral springs for curative purposes on the

belief prevailing at Carlsbad and other European spas.

Mrs. Elizabeth Winde operated a lodging in a leased structure that included a German-American restaurant at 207 South Broadway, known as the New Beverly. In 1935 she had the opportunity to purchase the former residence of one of Saratoga’s leading citizens, the late Senator Edgar Truman Brackett, at 605 North Broadway. The Senator’s heir, Charles W. Brackett, was relocating to Hollywood where, partnered with Billy Wilder, they would produce landmarks of the silver screen, including the legendary Sunset Boulevard. When her South Broadway lease was redirected, Mrs. Winde relocated the New Beverly to the North Broadway location, where she had acquired a second and adjoining property. Following the Second World War Elizabeth Winde began using the name Beverly Manor, where she could cater to 70 guests that she advertised as, “an ideal place to live for a day or a month.” Visitors could expect exceptional comfort and palatial elegance, with particular attention to meals created for special diets. The attendants, chefs, pastry cooks, bartenders and the entire staff at the Beverly Manor saw to it that your experience there was, "as private as your own home." Mrs. Winde ceased her operations in 1966.

Just as today, room rates varied widely, and tourists and visitors selected their lodging by what they could afford. The accommodations have always been, and still remain, a major part of the Spa experience. SS SUMMER 2022 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 141

Eleanor Anne KRESSE

Photo (right): Eleanor Roosevelt, Mrs. Lucille Kresse, her husband Al Kresse holding baby Eleanor, Mrs. William J. Patten, mother of Mrs.Kresse; and Rev. Ralph W. Kelly.

In the background is Mrs. Charles J. Kresse, mother of Al Kresse. They are standing on the steps of the First Methodist Church on Washington St.

WRITTEN BY JOHN R. GREENWOOD | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Eleanor Anne Kresse was born on November 8, 1940, at the Saratoga Hospital.

On June 7, 1941, she was baptized at the First Methodist Church on Washington St. The Saratogian documented the event with a photograph. Why was this christening a newsworthy event? The caption beneath the photo explains it best, and reading it led me to this story: Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, extreme left, stops outside the Methodist Church after coming to Saratoga Springs for the christening of seven-month-old Eleanor Anne Kresse, held by her father, Al W., as Mrs. Kresse, the former Lucille Madeline Patten, looks on. Also in the picture are Mrs. William J. Patten, mother of Mrs. Kresse, and the Rev. Ralph W. Kelly, who performed the ceremony. In the background is Mrs. Charles J. Kresse, Higginsville, MO., mother of Mr. Kresse. (Gurtler Photo) I stumbled upon the photograph while researching a story related to the Civilian Conservation Corps. Knowing Eleanor Roosevelt had visited Saratoga during her husband, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's term, I had to learn more. I found a more detailed Saratogian article written the day after the event. Here are a few excerpts: Eleanor Anne Kresse, the seven-month-old daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Al W. Kresse, 91 White St., will have something to tell her friends about when she grows up. In the first place, she is named in honor of the nation's First Lady. Secondly, she broke the traditional custom of baptisms; she didn't cry.

The President's wife held the baby during the ceremony performed by the Rev. Ralph W. Kelly and afterward said, "The baby is the most beautiful I ever saw."

After the christening, Mrs. Roosevelt signed autograph books for Betsy Elmore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus B. Elmore, and Mary Ann Kelly, daughter of the minister and Mrs. Kelly, who also attended the event.

Mrs. Roosevelt, who motored here from Hyde Park with her secretary, Miss Malvina Thompson, was dressed in a twotone orchid and purple crepe silk costume with a matching picture hat.

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A few guests sat in the rear of the church while Detective Walter F. A'Hearn, in plain clothes, stood guard at the door.

News of the event spread quickly, and a sizable crowd gathered on Washington St. to watch the group exiting the church.

After discovering this snippet of history, I couldn't help but wonder if little Eleanor Anne was still alive, and if she was, could I find her? I would soon have the answers to both questions.

Grainy newspaper memento from 1962 of I will never forget that Eleanor Bailey’s and her daughter Lucy January 3, 2022, phone looking at the birthday check. call; it was noon in Saratoga Springs, 9 am in Tacoma, Washington, 2,892 miles away. When I dialed Eleanor Bailey's number, the time difference never occurred to me. An internet search provided the name, address, phone number, and estimated age of Eleanor Anne Kresse. Eleanor Bailey was her married name. If she were still alive, she would be over 80 years old. What were the odds that the number I'd found on the internet was still active or that Eleanor Anne Kresse Bailey would answer the phone if it were?

I was about to hang up the phone when a pleasant voice answered, "Hello."

"Hello, my name is John Greenwood. I'm calling from Saratoga Springs, New York. Is this Eleanor Bailey?"

"Yes, I'm Eleanor."

"Were you born in Saratoga Springs?

"Why yes, yes I was."

"Are you the Eleanor Kresse whose godmother was Eleanor Roosevelt?"

"Yes, Mrs. Roosevelt was my godmother; what a surprise, nobody's mentioned that in years!"

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I was so stunned to be talking to that baby girl from the 1941 photograph that it took a minute for me to gain my composure. Next, I needed to assure Eleanor of my intentions. I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable talking to a stranger about her past. She must have sensed my sincerity, and within seconds we were talking like two old friends from the neighborhood. It was the most exciting conversation you could imagine. I jotted down notes at a feverish pace. I finally asked Eleanor if she would consider doing a recorded interview with me. She agreed without hesitation. She said her daughter Lucy would be stopping by shortly, and she'd have her call me to set up a day and time. She also wanted a day or two to collect some memorabilia that might interest me. The call was getting better by the sentence. Three days later, Eleanor, Lucy, and I got on the phone and did a cross-country interview.

From this point forward, I will refer to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as ER and Eleanor Kresse Bailey as Eleanor.

I wanted to know the relationship between the Roosevelts and the Kresses that would result in ER being godmother to one of the Kresse children. According to Eleanor, her father Alfred (Al) Kresse was in charge of the Civilian Conservation Camp at the Saratoga Battlefield in 1940 when President Roosevelt and First Lady ER visited Saratoga Springs. When ER discovered Al and his wife Lucille were expecting a baby, the First Lady said she'd like to be the baby's godmother. A month later, Eleanor Anne Kresse was born, and when the baby was christened the following June in 1941, ER was there.

When I asked Eleanor if her middle name was Ann, Anne, or Anna, she chuckled. When ER asked her father Al what they named the baby, she said he told her Eleanor Anne after her. ER replied, "Well, you know my real name is actually Anna Eleanor." The First Lady handled the couple's understandable error with style and grace. This attribute is what made her such a beloved figure.

Eleanor said her parents became close friends with the President and First Lady. She said after the Saratoga Battlefield, her father was assigned to manage another CCC Camp, and the family found themselves without a place to stay between moves. The Roosevelts insisted they come and stay at the Whitehouse in the interim. Eleanor was twoyears-old at the time. Eleanor's mother told her that security guards would be standing along the pea stone driveway when she would play outside the White House quarters where they were staying. They would remain at attention with their hands folded behind their backs. Little Eleanor would bend down, select a pretty stone, and place it in their hands. They would remain statue-still until the little girl was safely back inside the Whitehouse, and only then would they drop the little gift back into the drive.

In November of 1962, Eleanor Kresse's christening photograph reappeared in The Saratogian. In bold letters above the photo, it said, "Mrs. Roosevelt remembered godchild in spite of serious illness." The article explained that Mrs. Roosevelt would send a check or a gift to her godchild on her birthday every year. Eleanor Bailey, now twenty-two, married with children, knew Mrs. Roosevelt had been ill, so she did not expect a gift. Sadly, Mrs. Roosevelt passed away the day before her godchild's birthday. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

1962 Check postdated to Eleanor Kresse’s actual birthday. The envelope was dated 11/6/1962. She keeps the original in a safe deposit box.

The family was stunned when a check post-dated November 8 arrived in the mail after ER's passing.

The postmark on the envelope dated November 6, 1962. The First Lady died on November 7. In true Anna Eleanor Roosevelt's character, she had not forgotten her goddaughter. News of the check traveled across the country. I've included a grainy Tacoma News Tribune photograph of Eleanor Bailey's daughter Lucy handing her the check. Amazingly, Eleanor Bailey still has the original and gladly sent me a photo to prove it.

Eleanor told me another delightful story about her experiences as ER's godchild. In the fourth grade, she received a beautiful sweater set from ER for her birthday. The excited fourth-grader couldn't wait to wear it to school the next day. When she entered the classroom, the teacher commented on the sweater and asked who'd given her such a lovely gift. She replied, "Mrs. Roosevelt sent it to me for my birthday." The teacher bristled at being lied to and became angry.

Years later, after reading the news about her former student receiving her birthday check, the teacher realized that Eleanor had been telling the truth. It was then, over a decade later, that Eleanor received an apology phone call from the embarrassed educator.

Further research revealed that Eleanor's father, Al was the National Park Service Superintendent at the Spa State Reservation in 1937 when Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt had dinner with his men. Days before Christmas that same year, the men received their annual Christmas present marked, "Not to be opened until Christmas." Superintendent Kresse indicated the men would be sending a letter of thanks to the White House.

Al Kresse's next assignment was the CCC Camp at the Saratoga Battlefield. In the October 9, 1940 edition of Eleanor Roosevelt's "My Day," the First Lady writes of her and the President stopping at the Watervliet Arsenal.

New York Governor Herbert Lehman joined them. The group then drove north to the Saratoga Battlefield and met with Al Kresse and his staff to tour the sites being considered for the Battlefield's Administration Building.

"They sat in the car at the top of the hill. The entire staff working on the development of Saratoga Battlefield Park was with them and discussed all that would be done in the surrounding fields to make this battlefield of historical interest to the public."

This story encouraged me to research more about First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. That is what history does to you.

I want to thank Eleanor Bailey and her daughter Lucy for their time and generosity in sharing their family's relationship and history with the Roosevelts. SS SUMMER 2022 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 143

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