Archives Week

Mr. James Lives On!

Art Show Outstanding Event

Stockade Outdoor Art Show 2001 Prize Winners

DID YOU KNOW…

Stockade Association

Board Meeting Report

General Meeting Report

Divide Your Plants Now

Distinguished English Parliamentarian at The Mohawk Club

Two—a—Day to Broadway

Stockade Garden Group Announces “Stoep” & Garden Awards

Do You Know This Friendly Cat?

Summer in the Stockade

Birds of the Stockade

New Growth In the Stockade

Stockade Tree Program

STOCKADE STOPPER - LIONS AT THE GATE

Archives Week - October 8 - 13

As part of Archives Week October 8th to the 13th, The Efner History Research Library will sponsor a tour of City Hall, on Friday, October 12 at 11AM., meeting on the main entrance at 105 Jay Street. The tour will be given by Stockade neighbor, Terry Kraham accompanied by Mayor Al Jurczynski. City Hall was built in 1930 by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White and is on the Register of Historic Places. It is a wonderful building, and if there is enough interest, the tour could become a regular event. After the City Hall tour, outgoing archivist Don Hulett will give a tour of the Archives.

The Efner History Research Library, formerly known as The Schenectady history Center, is the official Archive of the City of Schenectady, established in 1952 by City Historian. William B. Efner. Just as Mr Efner was a resident of the Stockade, so is the new archivist, Terry Kraham, who will officially take over on February 1, 2002.

In 2002, the Library will be celebrating their 50th anniversary. Stay tuned for upcoming events! For other events during Archives Week, “Rediscovering New York: Snapshots of Schenectady,” including workshops on genealogy: identifying people, buildings, and locations in old photographs: care of old photographs; lectures on pertinent novels: trolley tour of Locomotive history in Schenectady: and The Sixth Annual Capital Region Archives Dinner, please call Laura Lee Linder archivist at the Schenectady Museum, 382-7890 ext. 233.

Return to top

Mr. James Lives On!

Customers called him Mr. James. ‘James James,” he chuckled, “I’m too poor to have a middle initial!” His real name, of course, wasn’t Mr. James at all, but James Scolamiero, and his passing last March marked the passing of an era in hair care.

Mr. James’ first shop, torn down in 1928 to make way for City Hall, was in fact two shops, a barbershop and a hair bobbing shop. Women might go to a barbershop but men would never go to a hair bobbing shop, so he had the two shops next door to each other

When he was in one but was needed in the other, he’d go outdoors and go in the next door.

That was another era. Now hair care is “unisex” and his subsequent shop, “Mr. James Family Hair Care Center,” has treated hair for all ages and both genders - in one location on State Street since 1963. Mr. James’ son and grandson and their staff still carry on the traditions and excellent, painstaking work of their predecessor.

Return to top

50th Annual Stockade Villagers’ Outdoor Art Show Outstanding Event

It happened - a beautiful, bright, sunny day! Once again the neighborhood joined in to make our 50th year of the Stockade Outdoor Art Show on September 8 a wonderful event. A special thank you to all the residents in the Stockade for your help and patience with this event. The entire neighborhood combined their efforts to make sure that both the artists and the spectators received a warm welcome - thanks to the Art Show Committee and Volunteers, Joe Fava and the Board of the Stockade Association. There were 120 artists and a steady stream of spectators. The Art Show Committee under the leadership of Matt Volks. Sr. did an excellent job.

A very special THANK YOU to all the Artists that exhibited in this show and have supported this show for the past 50 years. It is the artists that make it possible for our neighborhood to host this event - without them there wou[d be no show.

Return to top

Stockade Outdoor Art Show 2001 Prize Winners

1st Prize, Gail Kort; 2nd Prize, Lucy Suhr

3rd Prize, David Wade

Honorable Mentions; Jean Eaton. Nancy Noble Gardner, Steve Kowalski. Marlene Paul. Barbara Messina and Joseph Yack

Museum Show Selections: Wei Zhu, Pete Dozois, nC. Oster, Bill Haney. Joyce D’Annibale, David White, Kathy Callinan, George Dirofl, lhor Pymaruk, Samuel Bates, Brenton Smith and Lorraine Miskinis

The Nicholas J. Co/angelo Award: Walter Roth

The People’s Choice Award: Bill Haney

The Ernest A. R. Cohen Award: Lara Brunelle

The Young Artist Awards: 1st Prize. Ben Heinmendinger

2nd Prize, Cameo Gardinier; 3rd Prize, Jessica Hohensten

1st Prize for the Walkabout Poster Contest Nancylee LaTulippe

Congratulations to all!

Return to top

DID YOU KNOW:

From Diane Buckley

The Stockade was established 340 years ago? I know because my 10-year-old commemorative tee shirt told me so. It reads: THE STOCKADE (10 x 3 line graphic designed by Werner Feibes) Schenectady, NY 1661-1991.” Only recently, after wearing it all summer, did I make the 2001 connection. Will there be a big 350-year bash in 2011?

That John Glen, a local entrepreneur, gave Glens Falls his name? After Burgoyne’s invasion in 1777 Glen acquired land and built mills. For a hundred years, travel from here was by stage coach until the railroad opened it up.

DID YOU SEE:

Really, really look at the stately arborvitae rounding the northwest corner edge of the Stockade Gateway? With graceful trees and shrubs shielding the Van Dyck parking lot it gives the boulevard and the gateway a new dignity.

Arthur’s outside bulletin board? It’s chock full of interesting notices - house repairs and odd jobs, a garden tour, garages, apartments, salvage sale items ca. 1820, an aquarium, a safe, and more.

Rev. Michael Alford, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church being interviewed by Dan DiNicola and a Channel 6 camera crew at the corner of North Ferry and Union? They were discussing the current crisis. Rev. Alfords approach is one of “individual love and prayer and national justice.”

Groups of Pre-k children (18 months and up accompanied by adults) strolling through the area looking for squirrels and flowers? They’re heading for Riverside Park. Maura Gannon, the YWCA communications director, tells me that each week a different child has the responsibility and honor of carrying the pack of first aid supplies for bee stings and skinned knees.

Return to top

Association Board Meeting Report

President Joe Fava called the meeting to order. Present were Meredith Anker, Bob Briber, Connie Colangelo, Brad Fisher, Emily Klotz, Ruth Harvey, Peter Rumora, Susanna Sherwood, and Jennifer Wells.

Meredith Anker reported she transferred $2000 from the Association’s checking to a CD, so we have $16,000 in CDs and $2845.63 in our checking account. Minutes of 7/12/01 were approved.

The group discussed our website, wonderfully kept up by Jennifer Wells. She has received a $430 bill from our web host. The site has received 14,000 “hits” in three years and the Board approved payment of the bill. After discussion, the motion was passed ‘The Association sell the right to advertise houses-for-sale in the Stockade on its web site, for $15 per ad for 90 days. The money must be received before the ad is put on the site, and the ad will be removed at the request of the advertiser or after ninety days, unless renewed, whichever is sooner.”

Sylvia Briber reported that the Spy has sold advertising to 22 “Patroons” for $180 each, and will print their ads in 9 consecutive issues.

Susanna reported that the Garden Group has identified sites for 12 additional new trees. Jennifer transplanted garden plants from Dorothy Kishten’s garden to Riverside Park.

Connie discussed the forth coming Art Show. The winning paintings will be displayed at the Schenectady Museum from September 13 to 27.

Joe asked that these meeting
dates be published:

Board

October 2 7 PM

November 6 7 PM
December 4 7 PM at the Feibes & Schmitt Offices

General

November 8 7 PM social hour 730 PM general meeting at the Schenectady Historical Society

General Membership
The Stockade Association general meeting, held September 13, saw about 30 people meet to discuss Stockade affairs. Meredith Anker reported that we have $16,000 in CDs and $2,300 in a checking account.

Susanna Sherwood, Vice President, announced the Association’s Stoop awards. She also discussed the garden show that is scheduled for Flag Day, June 14 and June15. Susanna encouraged everyone to fly a flag for the event. Susanna introduced Stan Hickok, of ReTree Schenectady, who described the Gateway along Erie Boulevard. He has prepared 13 spots for trees as part of the renovation of No. College St. ReTree Schenectady needs funds to complete that planting, and volunteers to help with the planting scheduled for Oct. 27. The Association approved, by motion, an expenditure of $500 to complete that planting.

Brad Fisher introduced John Samatulski, the Executive Director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement District. John described their programs: a Buildings and Grounds program, which employs the street sweeper; a Business Promotion and Marketing program which is developing a data base on downtown properties to encourage businesses new to the area; and a Fund Raising and Development program. He also knows of many opportunities for useful volunteer involvement.

Connie Colangelo reported that the 2001 Stockade Art Show had been a great success, with 126 artists and more

than 5000 visitors. She and Emily Klotz are working on the Christmas Tree lighting scheduled for December 2, and with the Festival of Trees at Proctor’s scheduled for November 21, 23, 24 and 25. She said they hoped that Stockade residents would again put holiday lights around their houses, perhaps lighting them for the Festival of Trees.

Sylvia Briber, Editor, reported that the September Stockade Spy at 12 pages was its largest and that its financial condition was satisfactory. The Spy sold a record 22 year long advertising inserts to advertisers, calling them ‘Spy Patroons.” Sylvia also said that the Walkabout, scheduled for September 29, is proceeding very well.

Joe Fava, President, said that he is meeting with Milt Mitchell regarding Stockade traffic patterns and would in due course bring any suggestions to the Association. Joe also had talked with Jamie Lahut, of Metroplex, which is setting up a committee to plan for use of Metroplex funds in neighborhood improvements. He said they are looking for suggestions about Stockade improvements.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Briber

Return to top

Divide Your Plants Now

For Stockade Garden Tour

There will be a Garden Shop at the Secret Gardens of the Stockade Tour on June 14 and 15. You can help by dividing your astilbes, peonies, Japanese iris, hostas, and etc. now before the frost.

Peter Rumora from the Stockade Garden Group with beaucoup experience, tells us how to do it: take a plastic pot and fill it with an inch of dirt, put in the plant, cover with dirt, sink It into the ground, and cover it with leaves. In the spring it will grow in its pot and be beautiful to dig up and sell at the Garden Shop in June.

Distinguished English Parliamentarian at The Mohawk Club

Sir David Mitchell, who served in Margaret Thatcher’s government, and 33 years as a Member of Parliament, will speak on Monday, October 29. at The Mohawk Club. Under his leadership, the sale of council houses broke UK records and with the money he began the biggest slum clearance in UK history. While Minister of State, he was responsible for all the legislation for the Channel Tunnel. Cocktails begin at 6:00 PM, with dinner at 7 PM of Sliced Beef Eye of the Round, salad, dessert and beverage, $15.25 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 374-8476.

Return to top

“Two-a-Day to Broadway”

This sprightly music and comedy revue in which performers make the transition from two-a-day vaudeville to the Broadway stage, plays to the public in a dinner theater production Thursday through Saturday, October 18,19, and 20, at the Mohawk Club, 1 North Church Street, in the Stockade. Dinner is at 6:30 with show following.

Stockade Association members qualify for a 25% discount price of $16.50 for the Thursday or Friday performances only. Tickets for Saturday are $24. For reservations, call 393-8024. Indicate Stockade membership to obtain discount.

Summer in the Stockade

Krystyna Kusielewicz

Summer in the Stockade.

Some days sweltering

And others not.

The lovely streets

With luscious vines,

And fragrance of blooms,

On stoops and window boxes,

With flowering garlands

Hanging like trophies.

Begonias, petunias, geraniums,

impatiens and hosta too;

And the Indian,

As if standing guard;

Surrounded by hues

Of red, white and blue.

The pink and red clouds

Of a sunset,

And the golden sun bathing

In the slow flowing Mohawk

Carefree, relentless and strong.

Birds of the Stockade

One of the birds that I’ve seen n and around the Stockade is the Ruby Throated Hummingbird. It is our only Eastern Hummingbird. It is also one of our smallest birds. The male has a glowing fiery-red throat, which looks black in poor light, iridescent green back and a forked tail. The female lacks the red throat; she has a blunt tail with white spots on the corners. She also has the green back. They winter in Mexico and Central America. They are attracted to reddish tubular flowers such as Bee Balm and Trumpet Vine. I’ve seen them go after red and orange backpacks in Maine.

James L. Taft

AKA Capt Eagle Eyes

Return to top

New Growth In the Stockade

Earlier this year several members of the Stockade community gathered together to discuss the possible extension of the original project completed in 1998 along Erie Boulevard to the North. With assistance of Fiebes and Schmitt a plan was developed and a contractor engaged who completed the project during September.

A row of emerald green arborvitae stands behind the monument and will greatly enhance its appearance and visibility. Further down Erie Boulevard five Japanese Tree Lilacs surround several Euonymus (burning) bushes. The trees will have an attractive white flower each June.

Financial support was provided by the Stockade Garden Group from its successful spring garden tour, from private donations, and from funds remaining from the original project. North College Street

In the picture on the right, workers of the Callarian Construction pour cement for new sidewalks. The street will subsequently be repaved. A special thanks go to these workers for their help in providing tree planting spaces. The owners of the properties also are to be congratulated for their permission to plant there.

Return to top

Stockade Tree Program

In last month’s Spy there was an article about the beautiful new trees planted in the Stockade this spring as the first phase of a three-year program to enhance our community. Plans for a fall planting to be held on October 27 are nearing completion. Several Japanese Tree Lilacs will be planted on North College and on South Church in front of the Schenectady Civic Players building. You can participate in this program by making a financial contribution to the Stockade Garden Group in care of Susanna Sherwood or by volunteering to help plant trees on October 27. If you would like to help or would like information about the program, please call Lisa or Brad at 393-4605.

STOCKADE STOPPER - LIONS AT THE GATE

Without a doubt there were very few among the several thousand locomotive workers at the BIG SHOP down at the north end of the Erie Canal, now Erie Boulevard, who were thinking about their company’s president, Charles G. Ellis and his younger brother Edward as they all started home that fateful evening in 1883. That all changed when they arrived home.

The sensational news item appearing in Schenectady’s EVENING STAR was that ‘Edward Ellis and his brother Charles are negotiating for the purchase of a Large plot of land on the north side of Union Street between Ferry and North College extending from the residence of John Horsfali to the home of John Clute. The property was formerly a part of the estate of Harmanus Peek, deceased. If successful in acquiring the property, the purchasers each intend to erect a handsome brownstone residence on the site.”

If that happened everything would change. This quiet little ole dorp of 15,000 souls would witness one of history’s first tear downs to be replaced with a set of TROPHY HOUSES in the Stockade!

And why not! Charles and Edward were the middle two of the four sons of John Ellis, that canny and talented and very, very wealthy gentleman who founded the Schenectady Locomotive Works in 1847, lust 16 years alter he arrived practically penniless in the Stockade from Scotland. After all, these two brothers were merely following in the family tradition. Their father had erected a mansion and gardens for his family at the Liberty Street canal bridge just where South Church Street intersected and later was to be occupied as the second Stockade home of the Wizard of Electricity, Charles Steinmetz, and today regrettably and unthinkably the site of a modern fast food joint.

Furthermore their eldest brother, John C., upon becoming president of the BIG SHOP in 1864, had erected an even more lavish estate consisting of a baronial home and carriage house, gardens and greenhouse that serve today as the rectory of St. John the Evangelist across from Union College’s main gate.

Well, the property acquisition was successful and there being no Historic District Commission at that time to prevent the demolition, a line of early Dutch and Federal wood houses, for a stretch of 110 feet along Union Street with a 364 ft. depth, were razed to create a huge two acre space for the brothers’ houses and horses. Next came the architect. Henry Hobson Richardson, the most acclaimed and celebrated architect of the day who first achieved tremendous popularity with his Trinity Church in Boston was fully occupied with another of his masterpieces, the Senate Chambers in the New York State Capital and the seemingly never-ending completion of the Capitol’s exterior, so the Ellis commission for the two mansions fell to a blossoming young architect by the name of Albert W. Fuller. Fuller, a follower of Richardson, was deeply imbued in the style and manner of Richardsonian Romanesque.

Before the end of 1884 the two brownstones were up, each with enormous carriage houses, stables and elaborate gardens. Fuller did not deliver identical twins but they are certainly fraternal twins. Both show the materials and grammar of the style: rough hewn brownstone contrasting with smooth red brick, low, wide triumphal entrance arches and short columns, asymmetrically placed dormers and bays and turrets, mammoth corner towers with dome roofs, steep roofs with huge chimneys and unusually lovely carvings.

But the similarities are only shared at the general level. When the specifics and the details are examined the differences become evident, no doubt expressing the personalities of each brother. Charles’s home on the right suggests a gentler man who chose stone carvings of abstract floral and leaf patterns while Edward’s home on the left displays demons and ferocious creatures of the imagination.. And as the photo shows, the King of Beasts - THE LION, depicted no less than six times on the brick columns on his porte-cochere.

Did Edward, through these faces, hope to express his qualities that he shared with the LION? Chiefly nocturnal? Habitually stalking prey? Ravenously cruel? And bold? Or did he seek courage? Or a lion’s share? Or a desire to be lionized? Or all the above?

- Jim Schmitt ALA.

The Stockade Spy is published monthly, September through May, and distributed to Stockade residents at the beginning of each month. Deadline for entries is the 15^th of the previous month.

Last revised: 11/1/2005

Contents

Archives Week - October 8 - 13

Mr. James Lives On!

50th Annual Stockade Villagers’ Outdoor Art Show Outstanding Event

DID YOU SEE:

Association Board Meeting Report

Divide Your Plants Now

Distinguished English Parliamentarian at The Mohawk Club

“Two-a-Day to Broadway”

Stockade Garden Group Announces “Stoep” & Garden Awards

Do You Know This Friendly Cat?

Summer in the Stockade

Birds of the Stockade

New Growth In the Stockade

Stockade Tree Program

STOCKADE STOPPER - LIONS AT THE GATE