In this Issue:

*   Slicks tavern

*   Letters to the web

*   Curtains at the playhouse

*    City snow-ploughing rules

*    Birds of the Stockade

*    Thank you wonderful spy staff

*    Stockade tree lighting celebrates community

*    Have you  heard?

*    Winter in the Stockade

*    Stockade Association Board minutes

*    Italian Dinner

*  Tidings

*  Stockade Stopper

 

Slick’s Tavern- - Diane Buckley

 

          As far as Mike Naumoff knows there has been a tavern at the corner of South Ferry and Liberty for 200 years, even during prohibition when it was also, ahem, a “sporting house.” He and Barbara, who helps a lot in the tavern, bought the building 27 years ago from their good friends Doug and Alice Slick and decided to keep the name - it’s on their license plate.

 

Sandwiches and beer is what Slick’s is all about. There are wall-hung photos from the Historical Society’s archives documenting olden times in the Stockade. A photo from the late 1880’s clearly shows a Bass Ale sign in the window and as late as 1961 there was one reading “Hard Boiled Eggs - 5 cents”. In the dining area is a large hand-drawn map of Schenectady in 1875 and 10 contemporary blue and white Dutch style tiles of Stockade landmarks designed by Van Shanklin.

 

The cherry wood back wall of the bar is from an old tavern and has hand carved ornamental corners and cabi­nets with graceful 5” brass hinges. Have Mike show you the “office.” It’s the tin lined ice keeper beneath the counter neatly loaded with important papers. Immediately upon entering you can see his greatest pride - the Grand Beer Cooler meticulously organized with 23 brands and 37 varieties including three non-alcoholic.

 

The entire menu is based on their signature sandwich plate which includes potato or macaroni salad and chips. A roast beef with Russian                   no lettuce or tomato on rye measured (Mike doesn’t know I did this) well over 3 inches high! The kitchen is open 11 to 11 and everything is made there.

 

Unlike the old days there is no cigar or pipe smoking, though like the old days it’s still a friendly neighborhood place to meet, eat and talk. During July and August Slick’s is closed Saturday and Sunday but it’s great during a six inch weekend snow storm.

 

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Letters to the Web -Jennifer Wells

Question: I grew up in Schenectady and was wondering where the name came from?

 

Answer: The name Schenectady seems to have as many understandings as there are sources to research.

 

The Hope Farms books web site (Reference: http://www.hopefarm.com/sch­enecl.htm) describes the derivation this way:

“The name Schenectady is derived from Schau-naugh-ta-da, which in the language of the Iroquois signifies “over the pine plains,” or “across the pine plains,” and is said to have been used by them at first to designate Fort Orange (now Albany). The Dutch afterward applied it to the place where Schenectady now stands, as being over the plains from Albany.”

 

In the book “Chronicles of the Hudson” we find a 1680 journal of travels written by Jasper Dankers who says Schenectady comes from the Dutch words Schoon (beautiful) + echten (section) + deel ( a diminutive suffix meaning little) or Schoonechtendeel (Beautiful little section). However, the book’s author Roland Van Zandt footnotes indicate that this is a forced corruption.

(Reference: Chronicles of the Hudson, Roland Van Zandt 1998, pp 26-24 Black Dome Press, Hensonvile, NY)

 

The earliest Dutch name for Schenectady seems to have been “Groot Vlatte” or Great Flats, which is what Arendt Van Curler called this area when he discov­ered Schenectady in 1644. He also report­edly described the area as “the most beautiful land ever seen by the eye of man.” Although Schenectady has changed some since then, you can see in Van Curler’s statements justification for the second derivation. I’m sure with further research, you can find other interpretations as well. However, after nearly 400 years, the truth probably holds elements of both stories.

 

Schenectady was traditionally held by the Mohican Indians. However, in the early 1600’s Mohawks and Mohicans - traditional enemies at that time - fought a series of disastrous wars. The Dutch - who wanted to trade with both tribes, negotiated an uneasy peace that allowed the Mohawks to cross the Mohican land west of Fort Orange (Albany) for the purpose of trade. This intrusion by the Mohawks made it unsafe for the Mohicans who retreated to the eastern side of the Hudson. By 1661, when Van Curler bought the land from the Mohawks, the area had been abandoned by the Mohicans for forty years.

 

Although the Mohawks didn’t feel they “owned” the land, and since Van Curler was the Manager for Van Rensselaer and no doubt knew it was technically Mohican land, they entered into a deal for the land that was to become Schenectady. A land swindle you might say . . .but who swindled whom? Although the deed’s language indicates that the land lay outside the Traditional Mohawk territory, four Mohawk Sachems claimed that

the land was Mohawk! The Mohawks even went so far as to allow to be included a clause indemnifying the settlers “from all pretensions which other Indians may have.”

 

It was the first recorded purchase of land from the Mohawk tribe by the Dutch. But it gets better. The Mohawks apparently thought that they were only selling what can be called “grazing rights” and

leasing the land for agriculture. They had no concept of ownership or of the total and permanent transfer of title to the land.

 

With certainty, I can tell you that by 1661 the term “Schenectady” was in full use as shown by the deed of grant (patent) for the land issued by Dutch West Indies Company.

 

By 1704 a hymn had been written called “Schenectady!” a scratchy recording of which can be downloaded from the Library of Congress web site.

 

Additional Research: The Mohicans and their land 1609-1730, Shirley W Dunn, 1994, pp 116-117, Purple Mountain Press, Fleischmanns NY 914-254-4062.

 

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“Curtains” at the Playhouse

 

A number of “Stockaders” are involved in the next production at the Playhouse. “Curtains” is a dark British comedy directed by Playhouse veteran Matthew Moross of North Ferry with Melissa Brown of Washington Avenue assisting. Local actress and North Ferry Street neighbor, Debbie May, has one of the leading roles.

 

“Curtains” is a story of a family cel­ebration that makes an unexpected turn. Ida’s family is throwing her a “birthday tea” to celebrate her 86th birthday, but their efforts to be cheerful and make the event a success verge on the hysterically desperate. Ida is racked with constant pain and feels that she has lived too long. Susan the prodigal daughter who has been away for 25 years, arrives to find that her mother has not only brief periods of lucidity but appears not to remember her. After the party is over and the family has dispersed, it is Katherine who is left to look after her. Katherine is tortured by the promise she made to her mother not “to let her suffer.”

 

A difficult choice is made and a promise kept. When the family finds out what has transpired, a can of worms is opened up as they struggle with their individual inadequacies and con­science.

 

All three of your neighbors invite you to come support our local theater which is celebrating its 74th season!

 

“Curtains” at the Civic Playhouse, 12 South Church Street, January 25-27 and 30- February 3. 8:00 PM; Sundays, 2:30 PM. All seats $12. Reservations: 382-2081.

 

Dine at The Mohawk Club before The Civic Players’ perfor­mance. Call 374-8476 for more information.

 

 

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City Snow-parking Rules

 

The city Police Department is reminding resi­dents they must adhere to snow parking rules this winter, or face tickets, towing and storage charges.

 

Generally there are two types of restrictions: pri­ority street plowing and snow emergencies.

 

Priority street restrictions go into effect with the accumulation of 3 inches or more of snow. Vehicles can be parked on a priority street only after the entire street has been cleared to the curb. Priority streets are marked with signs. Our priori­ty streets in the Stockade are State Street and Union Street.

 

Snow emergency rules go into effect at the dis­cretion of the mayor and are not based on the amount of snowfall. Snow emergencies will be announced in the news media, and take effect at 8 AM or 8 PM.

 

Once a snow emergency has been declared all normal and priority street parking restrictions are sus­pended beginning at the declared time.  All vehicles must be parked on the even num­bered side of the street for the first 24 hours, and on the odd numbered side for the next 24 hours.  The only exceptions are streets where parking correctly would create a hazard or block a fire hydrant or driveway, or where there are temporary postings.  The even-odd rotation continues until the mayor declares the emergency over.  Parking may further be restricted for snow removal. Some of the narrower streets in the city may be posted on both sides during an emergency.

Reprinted from the Daily Gazette

 

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Birds of the Stockade

Two of the birds that I’ve seen in and around the Stockade are the Black-capped Chickadee and the Tufted Titmouse. Since a lot of people are familiar with them I won’t describe them. The Black-capped Chickadee is most­ly a permanent resident. It goes to feeders. It is the state bird of Maine and Massachusetts. One of its close relatives is the Tufted Titmouse. It also goes to feeders. As with the Chickadee the sexes are similar. The adult Titmice have a black forehead patch while the juveniles don’t. The male Titmouse has a loud clear song that goes Peter, Peter, Peter, Peter Peter. While the Chickadee says Chicka­deedeedee.

- James L. Taft AKA Capt. Eagle Eyes

 

 “Thank You” Wonderful Spy Staff

It is such a joy for me to put together The Spy because of all the wonderful neighbors who help. My writing team shows such initiative and creativity that I rarely have to scout around for copy. And so thanks to Diane Buckley, Gerald Plante, Malcolm Willison, and Krystyna Kusielewicz. And thanks to all the other wonderful folks who have contributed this past year.

 

Special thanks go to Lidia Pasamanick, who is a rock for me in times of deadlines and ambiguity.

Thanks to Janie Hayner who is so pleasant to work with around all those financial facts and figures.

Thanks to David Hawkey who does the real leg work to get The Spy to your door each month, and helps me with quiet competence.

 

Lastly, a very special thanks to my husband, Bob, who goes out in all kinds of weather to take countless photos of the neighborhood, and who sup­ports me in so many ways.

 

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Stockade Tree Lighting Celebrates Community-- Diane Buckley

 

Thanks to Connie Colangelo and Emily Klotz for coordinating the Annual Stockade Tree Lighting and Holiday Reception on Sunday, December 2. It was a great time to greet old friends and welcome new folks to our neighborhood.

 

The tall tree, donated by Bruce Jordan, Ron Chard, and Jennifer Wells, and erected by the City of Schenectady Department of Parks, Jim and Emily Klotz, Peter Rumora, Tom Killeen and many neigh­bors, was bedecked with red, white and blue bows and colored lights. Reverend McSwain, pastor at St. George’s Church, did The Blessing of the Tree with Elizabeth MacAulay doing the offical lighting. Newly elected County Legislator and Stockade resident

Karen B. Johnson, read a selection written by her grandfather, founder of Highlights magazine.

 

Thanks to Town Crier Richard Brown, Colleen MacAulay and all the other neighbors who helped make the event a success.

 

 

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Have You Heard

*    (And this is for the 2 or 3 people who haven’t) that the Van Dyck is changing ownership? Sort of. John Botti and Mitchell Cohen are bowing out completely. The two remaining partners Pete Olsen and Michael Nettles are assuming total “financial responsibility and committment to the community.” The Van Dyck is still trying to find its own 21St century style. The Jazz Club is growing and so is the house level of professionalism under the eye of manager Don Clough. A good man, Don. He says “Marvin Friedman owned the business 47 years and nobody loved this place more than I. We’ll be here for another 47.” As a Gazette editorial headlined “Long Live the Van Dyck.”

 

*    Lee Shaw? How wonderful to listen to her harmonious jazz piano in the private setting of Bruce Jordan’s holiday cocktail party.

 

Did You Know

*  That in the early 1700’s settlers had firewood gathering bees? Coming here to the literal western frontier was a drastic weath­er change from New Amsterdam. Large groups of families took to the forest to cut logs for heat and cooking in the hearth. Afterwards it was party time. Historian Susan Staffa told me the church contract with ministers stipulated firewood be supplied by its members. In return, the clergy would provide liquor after the bee.

 

* Lidia Pasamanick sold her home on North Ferry and has moved all the way to Front Street? How lucky we are to keep her here to enjoy her pleasant smile and nimble mind.

 

Have You Seen...

* The very large and very, very delicious scones at Arthur’s? I found a Scottish recipe in a cook book so old the chapters were in Roman numerals. Forget about it. Try plain, blueberry or cranberry; for scones they’re light and filling. Don Mealy likes plain - with no butter - and pops it in the microwave for 20 sec­onds.

 

* The beautiful planters with Spanish moss and pyramid piled with artificial fruit enhancing Lyn Gordon’s front door at 10 North Church? The exquisite colors and sparkling frosted glaze is a warm winter touch. She always said she would live in the Stockade - even after 35 years in Burnt Hills. While waiting she bought furniture from older homes here on the market and now its all in her home where she feels she has “returned it where it belongs in the Stockade.”

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Winter In The Stockade

A cold wind

Sweeping the streets,

Like white corridors

Ethereal and still.

The streetlights,

Glowing like stars

Through the lace

Of snow flurries;

And the warmth

Of a glowing hearth,

Beaming through

Frosted window panes.

Christmas lights

Here and there,

Promising tales

Of sugar and spice,

And the bare trees

Lifting their arms

To a sky with a moon

In a roof of stars.

The fallen snow,

A downy white,

And on the banks

Of the Mohawk,

The water turning to ice.

 

Krystyna Kusielewicz

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Highlights from Board Meeting - Tuesday, December 4, 2001

 

Joe Fava called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Also present were Meredith Anker, Bob Briber, Connie Colangelo, Brad Fisher, Emily Klotz, Ruth Harvey, Peter Rumora, and Susanna Sherwood. The minutes of the previous Board meeting were approved. Meredith gave the Treasurer’s report: we have $7620.19 in checking. The Board asked Meredith to put everything above $5000 into CDs, and accepted her report. The Board voted to make a contribution to the completion of Susan Staffa’s book about the history of Schenectady. Meredith said the Association now has 133 mem­bers.

 

Emily reported that the just com­pleted tree lighting went very smoothly. She said we need a new sound system next year. Peter suggested that we should have a membership table at the event, and the Board felt we should solic­it more food donations. The City Parks Department spent 8 to 12 hours putting up the tree. Brad wrote and read a “thank you” letter, to agreement from the Board. Emily said that holding the tree lighting as scheduled on December 1, 2002, would be too soon after Thanksgiving to prepare for a good event, and after discussion the Board decided to hold it on December 8, 2002.

 

The idea of a February Stockade breakfast at the Mohawk Club was dis­cussed. Other possible locations were discussed. A sub-committee of Bob, Ruth, Connie and Peter was set up to work on the event

 

The Board discussed a recent article in The Gazette about hiring an off-duty policeman after working hours. A problem with the article was an indirect negative comment about Hamilton Hill, which the Board regretted. It was agreed that if the media wants to know the Board’s position on an issue, the President acts as spokesman. The vice-President is authorized to speak in the President’s absence.

 

Joe is still working to improve traf­fic patterns in the Stockade. The Board discussed the influence of various alter­natives on Arthur’s Market and other Stockaders.

 

Joe said that John Senisi has pro­posed work on the Gillette building, which will include replacing the siding, cleaning the ground several feet around the build­ing to remove lead paint chips, and installing a new roof and heating system. A county committee is being set up, with Joe involved, to explore uses for the building; the Board appointed Emily as a second representative. The Board dis­cussed various uses, which may include a visitor’s center, a museum, a historic doctor’s office and other possibilities.

 

Jean Zegger had reported to Joe that the Heritage Foundation is redoing their bylaws, and asked if the word “Stockade” (which is currently in its offi­cial name) should stay or be dropped. The Board took no position. There are funds with the Heritage Foundation that have important Stockade roots: the van der Bogert and Zegger funds. The Board identified some cast iron fences and gates in the Stockade that might qualify for support. Jean had suggested that income from the Zegger fund might be used to help maintain the Gateway.

 

Brad Fisher said he would bring copies of the 5 to 10 year planning com­mittee’s work to the Board at its next meeting, on January 8, which date is a departure from the first Tuesday of the month. The next Association general meeting will be January 17.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Briber

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That Famous Italian Dinner Night!  February 9, 6-8PM

It’s that time again for the Italian Dinner Night for Stockade families and residents. The First Presbyterian Church invites you to this spe­cial event on Saturday, February 9 at 6 - 8 PM. No charge. Come, for the fun!

 

 

Tidings

 

 

Congratulations to:

 

*   Bobby and Jayne Kubichko of 7 North St. upon the birth of their son, Dylan Dakota, on Dec. 21 at 5:30 AM, 6 pounds, 11 ounces. All are invited to enjoy their happiness and see their newborn son.

 

*   our new neighbors, Crystal’s Cafe on Erie Boulevard. Marianne Comfort, in her column, “$29 And Under,” in The Sunday Gazette, chose it as her top pick for 2001.

Welcome to:

 

*   Judith Lewin and Bernhard Kuhn to North Ferry Street who moved from Washington Avenue.

 

*   Ruth Bergeron who moved to Washington Ave.

 

Farewell to:

* Krystyna Kusielewicz who moved to New Jersey. We thank her for all her contributions to The Spy.

 

Best Wishes to:

*   The Reverend Michael R. Alford, who is retiring after being Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Union Street for 27 years.

 

Condolences to:

*   the family of Alfredo Lombardi who passed away recently. He was a regular at Arthur’s Market.

 

If you know of any items for “Tidings” (neighbor­hood arrivals, departures, births, deaths, anniver­saries) please call The Spy Editor, Sylvia Briber.

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