New Book: Archeology in the Adirondacks by David R. Starbuck


Archeology in the Adirondacks by David R. Starbuck

As we move into the holidays, here is a book that would make a great gift.

While numerous books have been written about the great camps, hiking trails, and wildlife of the Adirondacks, noted anthropologist David R. Starbuck offers the only archeological guide to a region long overlooked by archeologists who thought that “all the best sites” were elsewhere. This beautifully illustrated volume focuses on the rich and varied material culture brought to the mountains by their original Native American inhabitants, along with subsequent settlements created by soldiers, farmers, industrialists, workers, and tourists. Starbuck examines Native American sites on Lake George and Long Lake; military and underwater sites throughout the Lake George, Fort Ticonderoga, and Crown Point regions; old industrial sites where forges, tanneries, and mines once thrived; farms and the rural landscape; and many other sites, including the abandoned Frontier Town theme park, the ghost town of Adirondac, Civilian Conservation Corps camps, ski areas, and graveyards.

To read a preview look here.

To purchase from the publisher go here.

Congresswoman Stefanik Announces Federal Investment in Fort Ticonderoga


Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (left), and Beth Hill, President and CEO of Fort Ticonderoga (right), at Fort Ticonderoga on Friday October 26th. (Click image to see larger view.)

Fort Ticonderoga announced today plans for a major capital campaign and collection preservation. Aided by federal investment, announced today by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and supported by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Fort Ticonderoga continues to expand its collections catalog and rediscover more pieces of our nation’s amazing treasures. Fort Ticonderoga was awarded $249,400 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as part of a $619,630 project to inventory, catalog and store more than 30,000 items from its objects collections. This 3-year project will also aid in the updating of the online collections database recently launched by Fort Ticonderoga making its rare museum collections accessible to the world.

Additionally, Fort Ticonderoga announced it is beginning the next phase of a $70 million capital campaign to support plans to enhance the visitor experience, which includes the construction of a new state-of-the-art museum to house and display the growing collections of historical importance. The museum will serve as the premier North American military history museum, spanning the early modern era from 1609-1815.

This investment shows the strength of the organization, and why Fort Ticonderoga has gained a reputation as a world class destination important to our nation’s history. This is the most aggressive expansion in the history of Fort Ticonderoga and will be one of the largest economic development projects in the North Country.

“In the last decade, Fort Ticonderoga has experienced significant growth in visitors, economic impact, and educational reach,” said Beth Hill, President & CEO of Fort Ticonderoga. “We continue to offer an unmatched glimpse into the past through our collections, living history programs, and academic programming on the very grounds where freedom was advanced. We’re excited to move forward with these plans to ensure that people can have access to our singular collections and experience all that Fort Ticonderoga has to offer for generations to come.”

This investment comes on the heels of a $2.45 million grant awarded to Fort Ticonderoga by New York State for the preservation and adaptive re-use of the Pavilion, the historic home on the Fort Ticonderoga campus. The Pavilion was built in 1826 and is considered one of America’s first summer homes.

The restoration project, expected to be complete in 2020, will save a national treasure while expanding Fort Ticonderoga’s capacity as a national cultural destination. The future Pavilion will include expanded visitor amenities, conference center capacity, and new educational and exhibition space.

“I’m proud to help secure nearly $250,000 in federal funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Museums for America Grant program for Fort Ticonderoga’s newly announced expansion,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Our region thrives on the tourism and commerce we generate from our unique historical heritage, and Fort Ticonderoga is a pillar of our area’s culture. As a child, I remember spending many days at Fort Ticonderoga with my brother and parents, exploring the grounds and watching historical reenactments. The expansion announced today is great news not only for our tourism economy, but for the countless families like my own that will be enriched through the educational programs at Fort Ticonderoga. I’ll keep working in Congress to ensure our North Country history is shared for generations to come.”

“Fort Ticonderoga shaped world history,” said New York State Senator Betty Little. “I’ve been honored to support the fort in many different ways and am very pleased to join in today’s announcement of funding that will help shape Fort Ticonderoga’s future. Preserving the fort and creating a more enriching experience is a true team effort that will benefit our region for decades to come. Kudos to Congresswoman Stefanik, Beth Hill, the dedicated members of the board of trustees and everyone else who is playing a role in making this historic jewel shine even brighter.”

“The preservation of this historical collection will allow Fort Ticonderoga the ability to provide a greater understanding of the history and rich tradition the Adirondacks has amassed over the years,” said New York State Assemblyman Dan Stec. “Sharing this piece of history with future generations will enrich the lives of many visitors and ensure the viability of this world class museum.”

“Fort Ticonderoga is one of America’s greatest historic treasures and one of the North Country’s greatest tourism attractions,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. “This latest federal support for the fort’s collections and assets is another building block in the continuing enhancement of Fort Ti as an economic asset to the entire region. We thank Congresswoman Stefanik, as well as Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, for their steadfast support for the fort, and we know that great things lie ahead thanks to this kind of federal partnership.”

Fort Ticonderoga Makes Major Land Acquisition


View of Mt. Defiance from Fort Ticonderoga. Credit: Fort Ticonderoga (Click image to see larger version.)

The Fort Ticonderoga Association announced recently that it has acquired 47 acres on the east face of Mount Defiance, ensuring the entire historically important mountain will be forever protected. The acquisition was made possible through partnership with the Open Space Institute (OSI) which provided a $46,000 grant for the purchase and related expenses.

“Fort Ticonderoga has a long history of land conservation and historic preservation dating back to 1820 when William Ferris Pell purchased the garrison grounds and placed a fence around the fort ruins marking the earliest act of preservation by a private individual in America,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “This recent acquisition is an important addition to our 2000-acre historic campus and will preserve the historic land and its natural beauty forever.”

“Fort Ticonderoga is one of New York’s most valuable historic resources, connecting families to a priceless heritage. OSI is proud to have helped protect this significant, storied, and visually stunning area,” said Kim Elliman, OSI’s President and CEO.

Mount Defiance is one of Fort Ticonderoga’s most important historic features and provides more than 75,000 visitors the opportunity to visualize and understand why Ticonderoga was the key to the continent in the 18th century. Best known historically for its role in the British capture of Ticonderoga in 1777, the mountain was utilized in some degree by every army who occupied Ticonderoga. Today, the summit of Mount Defiance is part of the Fort Ticonderoga experience, offering a unique vantage point of the epic military landscape as visitors discover how the mountain shaped America’s history.

New Matt O’Malley Mystery Thriller, Ghost Guns, Released

With the recent publication of the book, Ghost Guns, there are now four books in the Matt O’Malley mystery/thriller series set on Lake George. The other three books, include Desperate Hours, Desperate Days, and Kateri’s Treasure.

Another Matt O’Malley mystery/thriller has been released. Entitled; Ghost Guns, by author Thomas G. Kane, Ghost Guns is a thrilling mystery set in both Orlando and the Adirondack’s own Lake George.

The plot involves Kaitlyn Clancy and Matt O’Malley both becoming targets for a ruthless international arms dealer. Neither knows the other, nor do they know why they have been targeted; and yet, their fates, and the fates of countless others, are inextricably intertwined. If Matt cannot save Kaitlyn, he probably cannot save himself; and, a weapon of unimaginable power will be set loose on the Earth. The way wars are fought, and the balance of power among the world’s nations will be forever altered. No one will ever feel safe again!

All of the books in the series are set in the area in and around Lake George, Glens Falls, and the Adirondack Park. Each of the books is designed first and foremost to tell an exciting story and explore a bit of the rich history of the area. Beyond that, each book explores a serious theme. In Desperate Hours, the vulnerability to terrorist attack of “soft targets” in a free and open society were explored. In Desperate Days, the theme dealt with the pervasive evil of human trafficking in the modern age. In Kateri’s Treasure, O’Malley is confronted with the evils of illicit diamond trading while the characters must also deal with the issue of what in nature holds true value. Finally, in this just released thriller, Ghost Guns, the increasingly troublesome issue of untraceable guns is explored along with our failure to protect one of most precious resources—water.

The local color, history and the many plot twists are quite enjoyable and the story-line keeps the reader guessing until the end. The protagonists in this book are middle aged guys who have been friends since college. They are not super heroes or James Bond style heroes. They are ordinary people who, when put in extraordinary circumstances, rise to the challenge and do the right thing. In Ghost Guns, a quirky new character is introduced, the landscaper Bill Bell, or more appropriately, since everyone crams his name together, Billbell. He is a retired lobbyist so disillusioned with the world that he keeps it at bay by working alone as a landscaper and limits attempts at conversation by responding only with Shakespearean quotes.

Fort Ticonderoga Exhibit Features Objects from the Bodies of George Washington, John Trumbull, and the Legendary Jane McCrea


The Lord Howe Mourning Pendant bearing the date of his death; July 6, 1758.

Fort Ticonderoga today announced a new museum exhibit, ‘Pieces of Eight: Curiosities from the Collection,’ featuring objects from the bodies of famous or interesting characters from early American history including George Washington, renowned “Painter of the American Revolution” John Trumbull, and even a human rib tied to the legend of Jane McCrea.

The exhibit opened October 5th and runs through April.

Strange and perhaps macabre by modern standards, these objects were often cherished keepsakes among family and friends. Today, they are a reminder how people in the past used objects to remember loved ones and other important figures. These objects reflect momentous events, tender sentiments, and sometimes the trauma and lasting wounds of 18th-century warfare in North America.

“‘Pieces of Eight’ offers visitors to Fort Ticonderoga a unique opportunity to explore very personal mementos, their meaning to the people who held them, and how they reflect defining moments in history,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “Because of the depth of our collections we have many opportunities to be creative and curate exhibits with interesting and never-before-seen items. ‘Pieces of Eight’ is a new way for Fort Ticonderoga to educate and share American history in a unexpected and meaningful way.”

The exhibit was conceived following the overwhelmingly positive response to Fort Ticonderoga’s display of extremely rare locks of Benedict Arnold’s hair in May. Curatorial staff began extensive research and identified eight intimate artifacts that compromise the new exhibit. Many involve human hair, which was trimmed, saved, mailed, and even made into jewelry where it was carried across the world.

‘Pieces of Eight: Curiosities from the Collection’ will give context to this somewhat forgotten practice and explore how Fort Ticonderoga acquired and continues to document, preserve, and make accessible these and other treasures using modern museum protocols.

Items going on display and the stories behind them include:

Locks of George Washington’s Hair

George Washington is one of the most recognizable and important figures in American history and mementos of his life were sought after even before his death. Fort Ticonderoga holds numerous Washington mementos including trimmings from flags, furniture, and clothing associated with Martha and George. The museum also holds two clippings of hair identified as Washington’s, one certified by a letter confirming it was clipped from Washington’s head while he lived and another donated to the museum by Martha Washington’s great-grandson.

Lock of John Trumbull’s Hair

John Trumbull is best known as the “painter of the Revolution” whose canvases now grace the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. Before beginning his painting career, when he was just 20 years old he served as the Deputy Adjutant General of the Continental Army at Ticonderoga during the critical campaign of 1776.

Jane McCrea’s Rib Bone

The killing of Jane McCrea, the fiancé of a loyalist officer, by British-allied Native Americans in 1777, was used by Americans to incite fear and anger against the British and their allies. The event also fueled racial animosity towards Native Americans and that continued to be used in history, art, and literature well into the 19th century to justify the extermination of Native American communities. Jane’s body was disinterred twice during the 1800s when this bone was likely removed, a reminder of the trauma and the lasting wounds of 18th century warfare.

Lord Howe Mourning Pendant

George Augustus Lord Viscount Howe was amongst the most popular British officers of the French and Indian War. He served as second in command of the British army that tried to capture Fort Carillon and tragically he was killed near Ticonderoga on July 6, 1758 in a minor skirmish. He was just 33 years old. This gold pendant was made for the Chaplin of Howe’s regiment the 55th Regiment of Foot.

Locks of Hair from Benedict Arnold and Margaret Mansfield Arnold

Locks of the Arnold’s hair were presented to Fort Ticonderoga in 1952 by a descendent. Benedict and Margaret were married in New Haven, Connecticut in 1767. Margaret died when she was just 31 years old while Benedict was away capturing Fort Ticonderoga. Their youngest son Henry, settled in Upper Canada, now Ontario, and was given this lock of his father’s hair after Benedict Arnold’s death in 1801.

Johnson “Vanity Case”

This small case may have been owned by Sir John Johnson’s wife, Lady Johnson, or her sister. One of the most important and powerful families in the colonies, the Johnson’s remained loyal to the crown during the Revolution and were forced to flee their Mohawk Valley homes during the war. The lid of this gold, ivory, and enamel case is decorated with a beautiful woven pattern of hair that probably belonged to Lady Johnson’s mother, a small memento of the family and past that could be carried during the tumultuous years of war and Revolution.

Portrait Miniature of Lady Bowes

William Johnson’s family remained loyal to the Crown during the Revolution and well afterwards. William’s granddaughter Catharine Maria Johnson married a British officer who fought for King George during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 1800s. This miniature portrait of her as Lady Bowes incorporates woven locks of her hair on the reverse and may have been carried by her husband, who was killed in Spain fighting the French in 1812.

New LGLC Leeming Jelliffe Preserve Opens in Huletts Landing


From left to right, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of new Leeming Jelliffe Preserve in Huletts Landing: LGLC Development Manager Helen Barton Benedict, Paul Lawler, LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown, LGLC Board President Mike O’Reilly, Sylvia Jelliffe Lawler, and LGLC Board Member Patty HasBrouck.

On Friday, September 7th, 2018 the Lake George Land Conservancy marked the opening of the Leeming Jelliffe Preserve in Hulett’s Landing with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by nearly 40 community members and key supporters of the project.


Visitors and guests enjoying the new trail system.

The 33.3-acre upland preserve was purchased by the LGLC in April. Over the summer, LGLC staff and volunteers blazed a short, easy trail to the preserve’s viewpoint overlooking the narrows and Silver Bay on the western shore. There is currently a small road-front area for parking; a larger parking lot may be created, if needed.

The purchase was made thanks to the willingness of the Wilkening family to work to protect it, and to a timely and generous donation by Paul and Sylvia Jelliffe Lawler, which was matched by Paul’s past employer, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. The donation also made possible the purchase of a conservation easement on an adjoining house lot with over 600 feet of Lake George shorefront.

The Lawlers joined LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown to cut the ceremonial ribbon at the preserve’s entrance on Bluff Head Road. Sylvia then spoke about her family’s roots at Lake George, and specifically, Hulett’s Landing.

Sylvia’s great-grandparents, and Helena “Bunny” Wilkening’s grandparents, Dr. Smith Ely Jelliffe and Helena Dewey Leeming Jelliffe, bought 125 acres of land in Hulett’s Landing in the early 1900’s. Over time the land was divided between their children; Bunny’s mother, Winifred, was given land that Bunny then inherited, including the property which is now the Leeming Jelliffe Preserve. The Preserve is named after Winifred’s brother, and Sylvia’s grandfather, William Leeming Jelliffe.


A reception followed the ribbon cutting at “The White House”, hosted by Paul and Sylvia Lawler.

“My grandfather, Leeming, died before my dad was born. He was a dearly beloved brother and he loved the lake. Dad was able to connect with his Aunts and Uncle here when I was young, and Lake George continues to be the strong thread that keeps us together. There is really something magical and comforting about this place, and its ability to keep people together.”

The LGLC also announced a new campaign, launched with a challenge pledge of $1 million from the Lawlers and Kellogg Foundation for conservation in the Hulett’s Landing area. The LGLC will be fundraising to match the generous pledge, so that $2 million in total will be available for permanent land protection in the region.


The view from the new Leeming Jelliffe Preserve.

Bits of Everything

Adirondack Life Magazine Profile: The Firehouse in Hague
Adirondack Life magazine has a great piece on the Firehouse, a unique dining experience in Hague, that many folks from Huletts like to visit.

New Propane Facility Opens in Nearby Hampton
Ray Energy has a press release on their website, which documents their new rail facility in Washington County that will serve the Northeast with propane.

Aggressive Bear Killed By DEC
A bear was killed by the DEC in Saranac Lake Island Campground recently as described by the Adirondack Explorer. I saw a bear once in Dresden but I didn’t get a good look because I was looking over my shoulder as I was running in the opposite direction.

More Asian Clams Found in Lake George
The Lake George Park Commission has released their final report for 2018 that details Asian Clam growth in Lake George

LGLC Awarded Grant for Indian Brook and Northwest Bay Brook Initiative


A view from the Wing Pond property.

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has been awarded a $20,000 matching grant from the Cloudsplitter Foundation to be used to leverage new donations for land protection efforts within its Indian Brook/Northwest Bay Brook Conservation Initiative.

Specifically, the Cloudsplitter grant award will be put towards the acquisition costs of the 159-acre Wing Pond property, purchased by the LGLC in December of 2016. This property, which is within the scope of the Conservation Initiative, includes 15 acres of sensitive wetlands, 750 feet of stream corridor, important habitat for birds and wildlife (including critical rattlesnake breeding habitat), and four-season recreational opportunities for nearby communities and the public.

The Conservation Initiative focuses on a 7,500-acre complex of wetlands, streams and undisturbed forests that are within the subwatersheds of two of the Lake George’s largest tributaries—Indian Brook and Northwest Bay Brook. Sensitive lands within this area are critical to filtering millions of gallons of water before it enters the lake each year, but only if left in their natural, healthy state.

For example, studies indicate that although Indian Brook is showing some impacts from development and other human activity, the watershed is still below the threshold of containing less than 10% of impervious surface, which is an indicator of overall health. Much of the watershed’s sensitive land is currently unprotected, leaving water quality vulnerable.

To date, the LGLC and partners have protected 2,384 acres and 4,150 feet of shoreline within this area, an investment of more than $2 million. All of these properties contribute to the community’s overall health by providing protection of wetlands and stream corridors, as well as allow for public recreational opportunities. The LGLC has created and maintains more than 15 miles of recreational trails within this area.

This is the first grant the LGLC has received from the Cloudsplitter Foundation, which works primarily to improve the environment, both physical and cultural, in the Adirondacks and to make life easier, healthier, and more rewarding for the people who live there.

By funding the Wing Pond project, the Cloudsplitter Foundation is helping the LGLC to not only be able to further its conservation mission in this sensitive area but also to build on partnerships with landowners, communities and New York State. This project in particular represents over four decades of conservation work, and offers great conservation value, increased community and recreational value, and, as a match, leverage towards the greater Initiative.

Speedo Tech Paddles


Speedo Tech Paddles

These interesting looking hand extensions are designed to help you swim with better technique but I found when you pair them with flippers on your feet, you swim like aquaman.

New technology for swimmer!

Bascue Pilots 4-Man Bobsled to Top Ten Olympic Finish

Congratulations to Codie Bascue, who piloted the top American sled to a ninth-place finish in the 4-man bobsled.

From NBC’s coverage:

Bascue led the top American sled with two solid runs on the second day of competition. Top U.S. pilot Steve Holcomb, who won gold in 2010 and double bronze in 2014, passed away in 2017, and Bascue filled in valiantly. He couldn’t put together a medal run, but still piloted his sled to a top-10 finish.

To see a highlight clip – scroll down the page here.

Anne Diggory Show at Blue Mountain Gallery in NYC Includes Painting with Historical Connection to Huletts.

Local artist, Anne Diggory, has a wonderful show at the Blue Mountain gallery in New York City running until February 24th at 4:00 pm entitled: Out of place – shifts in media, location, and content. There will be a closing reception at 4:00 pm on February 24th.

If you live or work in New York – you should try to stop by. Below she talks about a painting she created in Huletts Landing, which contains nearly the same view as a work created by David Johnson in 1874.

I started the video below at the 4:20 mark and Ms. Diggory explains this painting until the 5:13 mark.

Bits of Everything

WCAX TV – Lake George Patrol Officers to be Armed Next Year
That’s right. They’ll be carrying guns now.

The Adirondack Explorer: Grant to Help Salt Runoff and Invasives in Lake George Basin
With the cold, comes salt and it’s harmful effect on the environment. Now a grant seeks to combat this.

NY Post: Snowy Owls being Tracked as they Head South
They have been seen in Huletts. Learn more here.

North Country Public Radio: 50-55 Below Zero Possible on Some Adirondack Summits this Week
No fooling around with cold this cold.