Adirondack Life Magazine Showcases Local Photos


The cover of the September/October 2017 issue of Adirondack Life magazine.

Carrie Burr, daughter of Peter and Cathy Burr from Meadow Point Road, a professional photographer along with Jim McMaster, the President of Friends of Historic Huletts Landing, get the center pages of the most reent issue of Adirondack Life magazine. The article is entitled: Historic Home of Huletts Landing.

This “Historic Camps of Huletts” photo project sponsored by the FHHL, has been ongoing for two or three years. Carrie has photographed approximately ten Huletts camps so far. The hope is to eventually do as many as 40 to capture the unique architecture found on the Landing. The Adirondack Life article is the first time any of these photos have been made public.

So please go out and get a copy of Adirondack Life magazine to see these remarkable photos.

LGPC to Hold September Meeting in Huletts

The Huletts Landing Volunteer Fire Company will open its doors on September 26th for the monthly meeting of the Lake George Park Commission. If you have never been to a Lake George Park Commission meeting, this would be an easy one to get to! Many thanks to the Huletts Landing Volunteer Fire Company for graciously hosting this event.

Fort Ticonderoga Acquires Rare Muskets

Fort Ticonderoga has recently acquired three British muskets that last served at Fort Ticonderoga 240 years ago. Three muskets carried by the 53rd Regiment of Foot are a part of one of the most exciting moments of the Revolutionary history of Ticonderoga and are rare examples of British military firearms from the Revolutionary War.

“The muskets are all marked with a series of numbers and letters that indicate their use with the 53rd Regiment beyond any doubt, even indicating the company and soldier they were carried by. Such information allows the Fort Ticonderoga Museum to say with confidence that these muskets have come back where they saw action 240 years ago,” said Matthew Keagle, Fort Ticonderoga’s Museum Curator. “A single such survivor is rare, for three weapons to emerge is almost unprecedented. The important history of these weapons has been acknowledged through their past loan to the museum, now they will permanently be joining the collection where they will be on display for visitors every day.”

In addition to their legacy at Ticonderoga, these muskets are also important examples of British military long arms from the late 18th century. Noted arms researcher Bill Ahearn first identified these as a unique pattern of weapon, produced in Ireland specifically for the 53rd Regiment. Although similar in their overall appearance, the exact proportions and details of these weapons make them distinct from any other British military weapon from the period.

About the 53rd Regiment of Foot:

General John Burgoyne’s British and German army captured Fort Ticonderoga in July of 1777. By August, the garrison consisted of Germans of the Brunswick Regiment Prinz Friedrich and the British 53rd Regiment of Foot, and then later were spread out across Mount Independence in Vermont all the way to the modern town of Ticonderoga, the head of Lake George, and the summit of Mount Defiance. An American raid on September 18 caught them off guard and succeeded in capturing four companies of the 53rd, Mount Defiance and its artillery, and freed American prisoners of war held by the British. Despite these initial successes, they were not prepared for a formal siege and after four days, the Americans withdrew, leaving the fort in British hands until early November.

Now For Some History: Arthur Wyatt’s Fay & Bowen Boat


Arthur Wyatt’s Fay & Bowen after being repaired circa 1940. Larry Nash (age 5) is seen in the boat. (Click image to see full scale.)

Fay & Bowen 25 ft. Motor Boat Formerly Owned by A. H. Wyatt

This boat was originally owned by J. Maurice Beach, resident in the Hamlet. On July 26th, 1934, Beach was fishing in Cook’s Bay, off the Rock Ledge of Gardiner Property. Suddenly, a power boat came around “the rock” and struck the Fay & Bowen broadside, riding up on the Fay & Bowen, striking and killing Mr. Beach.

Mr. Wyatt bought the damaged Fay & Bowen, had the broken planks replaced and used the boat for fishing. It had a 4 cylinder 50 HP Fay & Bowen engine that was in poor condition and delivered about 25 to 30 HP, at one speed only – full throttle – about 8 to 10 miles per hour.

The boat was a “Double Ender.” Year of manufacture and serial number are unknown. Two or three years after Mr. Wyatt’s death, his widow sold it to a Whitehall resident. It was to be rebuilt and and used on Lake Champlain.

Written by J.C. Nash (Circa 1940)


Another picture of the Fay & Bowen circa 1940. Larry Nash (age 5) is seen in the boat. (Click image to see full scale.)

Casino & Soda Fountain Off-Season Hours

The Casino & Soda Fountain begin off-season hours starting today.

The Soda Fountain is now closed until the Halloween Parade during the Columbus Day weekend. (Everyone needed to go back to school.)

The Casino will be open on Friday & Saturday nights through the Columbus Day weekend. So please bring your friends by one of those nights.

LGA Beach Water Testing Update

The Lake George Association emailed an e-news update this past week that contained the following news:

(While still) waiting for the formal documents to be delivered, but ahead of this long Labor Day weekend, the Lake George Association wanted to pass along that the fourth round of E coli testing at six beaches around Lake George has, again, turned up no problems for recreational uses, based on the New York state Department of Health’s monitoring guidelines.

The beaches were tested on Wednesday, Aug. 30.These tests, performed by LGA Water Quality Specialist Dr. Jeremy Farrell, were separate from the testing regimen set up by each of the towns for its own beach.

Beaches tested included:

Bolton’s Veterans Park Beach
Hague Town Beach
Ticonderoga Public Beach
Gull Bay Beach
Huletts Park Beach
Fort Ann Beach.

As has been previously reported, Usher Park beach in the Town of Lake George and Shepard Park beach in the Village of Lake George are already monitored regularly, and previous reports noted they were below the threshold.

LGLC Elects O’Reilly as Board President


LGLC’s new President of the Board, Michael O’Reilly

During its Annual Meeting on August 19, the Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) announced the appointment of Michael O’Reilly as its new President of the Board of Directors. O’Reilly is taking over the role from past President of 11 years, John J. Macionis.

O’Reilly joined the LGLC Board of Directors in January of 2010, and served as Treasurer since August of 2011, and Vice President of Finance since August 2012.

“We are pleased to welcome Mike as our new president,” said LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown. “Mike has a true passion about protecting the land that protects the lake. His quiet leadership really inspires others to come together to make a lasting, positive impact on Lake George. I look forward to his leading our Board as the organization continues to make a difference in the Lake George watershed.”

O’Reilly’s love affair with Lake George started over 60 years ago on brief family vacation. While his father went to Saratoga, his mother, being a very good sport, spent several 3-4 hour stints with her 10 year old son in a rented 12 foot aluminum boat with a 5 horse outboard. He was hooked with the beauty of the mountains and clarity of the water. That led to camping on the islands, first with friends and then with his new bride, Marie, spending five days (four in the rain) on an island. Over many years their two daughters and now grandchildren have been fascinated with this unique place, and fully support the Lake George Land Conservancy’s mission of “protecting the land that protects the lake.”

O’Reilly is retired Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of the Chubb Corporation. He started a 39-year career in 1969 at Chubb as an analyst in the Investment Department becoming Chief Investment Officer in 1986. While at Chubb he served in many capacities, including the founding of Harbor Point, a Bermuda reinsurance company. Following retirement from Chubb, O’Reilly remained Vice Chairman of Harbor Point eventually becoming Chairman. Harbor Point and Max Capital merged in 2010 to form Alterra Capital Holdings with O’Reilly as its Chairman. He remains actively involved in the insurance and financial services business. He currently is a director of the Markel Corporation, joining its board in 2013 after the purchase of Alterra.

O’Reilly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1967 and in the Army Reserves from 1968 to 1971, retiring with the rank of Captain. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University and an MBA from Pace University. He is Chairman of the Board of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation and Trustee Emeritus of Pace University.

Outgoing president, John Macionis, took on the leadership role in January of 2006, just one year after joining the LGLC Board of Directors. During his tenure, the LGLC protected 3,828 acres of land and 4,225 feet of lake shoreline, through 10 donations and 18 purchases totaling more than $9 million. Macionis also took on the role of auctioneer for the LGLC’s annual benefit dinner and auction event. Over his ten years as auctioneer, the event’s auction and Fund-A-Need programs alone grew from raising $6,500 to $135,000 in a single evening.

“John’s leadership and passion for the protection of Lake George has been invaluable to the organization,” said Brown. “He cares deeply for the lake and always speaks eloquently of his connection to this place. We are grateful for the leadership, vision, and inspiration that he provided to the LGLC during his time as Board President.”

518 Prefix Now Needed on Local Calls

You may have noticed this already, but starting last weekend, the 518 area code prefix is now required when making local calls from Huletts. It is part of the transition to the new 838 area code which starts after September 19th in the 17 county region presently served by 518.

After September 19th, new phone numbers, will start with, and get the new 838 area code according to the Public Service Commission. Calls originating outside the local area will need the 1+area code + number.

Third Annual Firemen’s Appreciation Dinner a Great Success


The Washington County Beach Pavilion was decorated as an Hawaiian beach to celebrate our volunteer firemen’s dedication this past year.

On Saturday evening, August 12, 2017, the pavilion at the Washington County Park was transformed into a colorful Hawaiian setting that would indeed be the envy of any Hollywood movie back-lot production company. This event marked the 3rd Annual Huletts Volunteer Firemen’s Appreciation Dinner honoring the men and women of our community for their dedicated volunteer services.

It should be noted that each year the State of New York returns to our fire company 2 percent of what is paid in fire insurance premiums in our district. Furthermore, State law dictates that; (1) This money must be spent for the good and welfare of the firemen; (2) Maintained in a separate account; and (3) Regularly certified by audit. In compliance with those mandates, as was done in our two prior annual dinners, the fire company used $1,300 of those funds for this year’s event.

Fire Chief, Jay VanderPlaat, expressed his gratitude to all the members of the Company for their outstanding record of accomplishments in responding to the many emergencies that the HLVFC was called into the past year. He also gave high praise to the men and women responsible for the planning and creation of the many props and decorations that so appropriately supported the evening’s Hawaiian theme. Jay also was also appreciative for the great turnout of family and friends of the firefighters who were able to join in the celebration.

All in all, it was a fun filled evening with guests participating in: “Limbo Contests” … “Passing the Grapefruit” … “Hawaiian Hula Dancing” and “Best Costume” awards. Here are a few of the highlight photos capturing the various activities and moods of this very happy occasion.

Many thanks to all those who made this evening such a great success.

Photographing the Eclipse in Wyoming


Longtime Huletts guest, Michael Pass (left), stands with his son, Adam (right), who was photographing Monday’s eclipse in Wyoming for a major software manufacturer.

The big national news from this past week was Monday’s eclipse of the sun. Longtime Huletts guest, Michael Pass, emailed the following pictures of he and his son, Adam, who was on the job in Wyoming photographing the event for a software company. Below is how Mr. Pass described it.

“Adam has a camera that has its own wifi that shows whatever is framed in the camera onto his iPad. This allowed hundreds of people at the park we were at to view the live image shielded from the sun. At times, there were lines of people to view this and photograph it with their smart phones. Even a group of local police came to see the setup. These pictures show images on the shrouded iPad and camera.”


A perfect view on the iPad.


The lens used to capture the eclipse.


Adam hard at work.


The memorable event captured as it was happening.

Many thanks to Mr. Pass and Adam for sending these unique shots in! (Click all images to see larger view.)

Skip Linhart Memorial Golf Tournament Results

The Skip Linhart Memorial Golf Tournament was this past Saturday. Here are the results:

Winning Team
John Stanton
Matt Despres
Charlie Hollander

Longest drive
Women – Lisa Boland
Men – John Stanton

Closet to the pin
Women – Ginny Lyons
Men – Don Gellentien

To all the winners and event participants: Congratulations!