Today we had the opportunity to spend the day on an AARCH tour to Wanakena, NY - an old logging town, the New York State Ranger School, and a personal log home on the historic register called Knollwood. As usual, it was incredible to see what went on not all that long ago deep in the Adirondacks - life and communities that time is now passing by that were once thriving centers of industry with an incredible tapestry of history almost lost due to death and decay. Wanakena is one of the lucky ones, though. While it sports a population that varies from around 42 in the winter to 1500+ in the summer, it appears to have a vibrant historical preservation presence which keeps the memory alive. We learned that Henry Ford and Babe Ruth stayed here for a time. One of the logging companies was owned by the Ford Brothers. While there is no specific information currently that ties those Ford brothers to Henry Ford, the fact that he came to the community for a visit would suggest the possibility. The Rich brothers, originally out of Pennsylvania, started the logging business in the area and, as many companies did it back then, also built the company town. The name Wanakena was something one of the Brothers Rich saw on the side of trolley or train car in Buffalo and thought it would make a great name for a town. Do any of you remember a company called Rich Plan? After the Rich brothers moved on from Wanakena, they went to Vermont. While there, they had one problem after another and eventually shut down the logging business altogether. One of the brothers then started a food service business called Rich Plan, which is still in business today. Back in the 1970s, my parents used to buy from this service. I love it when I can find a tie-in to something known today. It shows how history unwinds and entangles itself pervasively around a vast majority of people. No man is an island. Our actions can have a wide ranging effect across a vast physical and personal distance. We really enjoyed the self-guided tour method the locals created. Two strategically located kiosks give historical and donation in formation for the town, which is bisected by the Oswegatchie River (a foot bridge used to run across the two halves, but ice flows destroyed it recently. An auto bridge remains). There are also four tour stops with flip board style picture stations that allow visitors to get an idea how things were laid out back in the logging days, and how older structures have been changed today. I cant help feeling Gloversville would benefit by such a self-guided tour system. Some pictures for your enjoyment: https://facebook/media/set/?set=a.1001727646519969.1073741839.100000482294114&type=1&l=10fe92cd98
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 00:56:54 +0000
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