In this issue:
Stockade
Association To Host Brunch
Stockade to Have Its Own Cookbook
Holy
Cross Church Honors Its Past
2002
YWCA Women of Achievement and Reach
Awards Dinner
The
Stockade Association Membership 2001- 2002
The
Stockade Association Minutes
Garden
Club Comes to the Rescue!
Have
You Heard? Have You Seen?
Addition
to January’s Spy feature on Slick’s Tavern
STOCKADE
STOPPER - Three Little Indians-Where
Are They Now?
Stockade Association To Host Brunch
To help warm those long February days The Stockade Association is hosting a branch on
Sunday, February 17 in the Green Room of the Schenectady Civic Playhouse,
Stockade to Have Its Own Cookbook
The Lawrence Project is undertaking to assemble a book of recipes of
Stockade favorites. It is hoped that we can have the book available in early
late 2002 arid that it will be available through the Association, Arthur’s, the
Historical Society, and other normal book venues Ii throughout Schenectady.
Although we encourage all culinary styles to be submitted, we hope to have a
section that will represent the ethnic and historical nature of our
neighborhood. Plans include holding a publication party ins
If you would like 10 be included
in this project, submit under your name:
1 three or more of year favorite
recipes --preferably family recipes that haven’t been published before;
2
either, a brief one or two paragraph
biography or anecdote about you, a family member who was the recipes
inspiration, or the Stockade
3
something culinary about
Recipes should contain
a list of ingredients and directions for preparation.
Submissions can be emailed to iw@dutchvalley.net or sent by regular
mail to CatsCradle Comparer Services, i7
Submissions become the property of The Lawrence Project and funds
raised will be used to fund Gardens in the Stockade.
Events: Call 381-1250 for information:
- Works for
Four Hands and Solo Piano:
SCCC Faculty member Mark Evans and John Kamitsuka, pianist
from
Works include: Sonata. in
D major for four-hands by Mozart;
Sonata in A minor K. 310 for solo piano, Mozart; Fantasy in F
minor for
four-hands by Schubert; and Wanderer
Fantasy for solo
piano. Tues., Feb. 5,
Carl B. Taylor Community Auditorium. Free and open
to public.
* **
Black History Month Events:
“An Education in the 21st Century”
Speaker: Diana Budhai, Dir.
of Multicultural Affairs/Special
Assistant to Pres. for Affirmative Action,
Thurs., Feb. 7,
WEEK OF:
“Miss Evers’ Boys: Part I”
story of The Tuskegee Experiment, starring Alfre Woodard and Laurcncc Fishburnc. Tucs., Feb. 12,
Part Ii will be shown onThurs., Feb. 14,
SCCC Casola Dining Room will
reopen on Monday, February 11, 2002.
Lunch:
$13.60 (includes tax & scrvicc chargc)
Tues., Thurs., & Fri.,
Diimcr: $18.55 (includes tax & service charge)
lunch are accepted at any time.
“Keys to College Success
Speaker: Dr Sharon Parkinson, Assistant Prof,
Africana Studies, U. at
The Knights of Lithuania Hudson
Mohawk Council 136, will commemorate the 84th Anniversary of Lithuanian
Independence and the fourth anniversary of the death of their former chaplain
and former Administrator of Holy Cross Church, Rev. Bernard U. Gustas, at the 9:00 AM Liturgy at Holy Cross Church, 18
North College Street, on Sunday, February 24. Although this event is still in
the planning stages at the time of this publication, they are planning to have
Mayor Albert Jurczynski present to read a proclamation
commemorating Lithuanian independence, along with other dignitaries. Following
the Liturgy, everyone will be invited downstairs to the church hall for
assorted ethnic foods, desserts, coffee and tea.
2002 YWCA Women of Achievement and Reach Awards Dinner
This special annual event will
be held on Tuesday, March 19 at the
The prestigious Women of Achievement Award is presented to women who have been nominated and selected because of their vision, accomplishments and commitment to racial and social equality. Winners of this award will be announced-ed on Monday, Feb. 11.
The REACH Award is presented to extraordinary female employees who have been nominated by their employers for their impact and accomplishments in the workplace. The deadline for the REACH Award is February 25.
Please call Maura Cannon at 374-3394 for nomination forms, advertising in the program guide or dinner tickets.
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
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
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
The Stockade Association Membership 2001- 2002
The
Stockade Association has been carrying out its mission, ‘the protection and
improvement of the properties” within its boundaries, for 44 years. Its
objectives are to preserve the Historic District and the quality of life for
its caretakers. The Associaion helps assure stability
in a neighborhood that has been termed “a national treasure” and is enjoyed by
visitors from all parts of
Membership
runs from
Minutes Stockade Association
Board meeting
Present at a meeting 1/15/2002 were Meredith Anker, Bob Briber, Connie Colangelo, Diane Demeo, President Joe Fava, Brad Fisher, Peter Rumora and Susanna Sherwood. Joe introduced Colleen MacAulay, new Board member, and Sylvia Briber and Kim Mabee, guests.
Kim, a member of the Board of the Historical Society, described the history of the involvement of the Society with the Walkabout. Recently, the Historical Society has been preoccupied with the construction and outfitting of its library building and with the Mabee farm. She urged the Board and the Historical Society to become more closely involved with one another. The Board expressed support and suggested The Spy include an article about the Historical Society. Sylvia described progress with the Walkabout.
Meredith reported that the Association has $4839.86 in checking, and about 150 members. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved, as was the Treasurer’s report.
The Board discussed improvements
in the Stockade, and voted to spend up to $2000 (a guess of actual cost is
$1200) to install a water outlet near the
John Samatulski
of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. had indicated that visitors to
the Walkabout would like to know their money is going for a useful effort. The
Board, after discussion, moved that the renovation of the Indian be the major
goal for Walkabout money. The aim is to light
Brad Fisher said that we have
been asked by Milt Mitchell, Commissioner of Public Works, to describe what, in
the mind of the neighborhood, should be next steps in renovation of the
Stockade, to follow the work they have done on College Street. Brad reported
that the Association has considered these issues for years, and that recently
a group including Joe, Janie Hayner, Emily Klotz and
Brad had written an informal summary of our thoughts. The goals would be to
renovate the
Colleen pointed out that if the utility lines were buried, the Stockade would be more attractive and film crews and others would use the area and bring in money.
The Board discussed Jennifer’s presentation about safety in the Stockade to the City Council. A number of members have personally experienced vandalism or crime and discussed their experiences. This will be a topic for the general meeting.
The Historic District Commission is holding a hearing about proposed demolition of 28 Ingersoll and 221 Green Sts. The Board discussed these at length, and expressed great disappointment that any buildings in the Stockade might be torn down. Some possible sources of money for the new owner of 221 Green were suggested, with the hope that it might be rehabilitated. Brad said he would prepare letters for the Board, expressing our concern and read them at the general meeting, and Joe said he would attend the hearing.
Peter Rumora described plans for the midwinter Stockade brunch, to be held Sunday February 17, from 10 - 1 at the Schenectady Civic Players. The event will be open and free to all Stockaders. Board members will cook omelets for participants.
Colleen suggested - in regard to the Christmas tree lighting - that it always be scheduled on the second Sunday after Thanksgiving, to guarantee that there be time after Thanksgiving to prepare for the event. Joe said he is still working on the traffic patterns in the Stockade, and Colleen indicated she would work with him.
The next meeting of the Board will be Tuesday February 5.
General Meeting Minutes
President Joe Fava called the meeting to order at
Sylvia Briber introduced John Samatulski, Director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement District, who spoke about the work of the S.D.I.C, which is progressing well. He thanked Jennifer Wells for her work on their programming projects. Sylvia Briber introduced Kim Mabee, and Kim, Sylvia and Lyn Gordon, the three co-chairs of the 2002 Walkabout, discussed the plans for this year’s event.
Peter Rumora described plans for the free-toStockaders’ midwinter Stockade brunch, as described in the Board minutes.
Joe introduced Dr. Ellen McHaIe, Director of the NY Folklore Society, who described
the work and interests of her statewide, 500-member group. It has an office and
gallery at
Regarding the Schenectady Historic District Commission hearing, discussed above, Jim Schmitt described the conditions under which a Stockade building might be demolished, which are very demanding. The group discussed the issues.
Connie Colangelo introduced Peter Guidarelli, District One representative and chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature, who spoke briefly. He asked what our plans for the Gillette House were, and said, “You have to tell us what to do with it - we can’t tell you:’ Joe said he has been asked to chair a committee to think it through.
Joe mentioned the installation
of a water line into the
Jennifer Wells described the
The group then discussed safety in the Stockade, and expressed great concern about recent examples of vandalism and crime. Joe said again that if one or another of us sees criminal acts, no matter how small, we must call the police. Kevin Green is specifically our police contact. His pager is 341-2078. Carmella Ruscitto, President of the East Front Street Neighborhood Association, spoke about the neighborhood watch program, which has no Stockade representatives. She said the group is looking actively for volunteers. Carmella’s phone number is 372-0036 and her web site:
cruscitto@aol.com.
The minutes of the previous
Association general meeting were approved as presented, and the group
adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Briber
Garden Club Comes to the Rescue!
Carolyn
Larrson, president of The Garden Club of Schenectady,
presented Barbara Blanchard, chair of the Schenectady Heritage Foundation, with
a check for $500 to assist in the funding for the maintenance of The Stockade Gateway
planting. The Garden Club of Schenectady was founded approximately one hundred
years ago making it one of the oldest clubs in the city. Its charter has always
been to contribute to the beauty of
This gift is of special significance since the Gateway now is in great need of developing an endowment whose income will support its maintenance. When the Gateway was completed three years ago, it
had a balance of $8,500. designated for its maintenance. However, the north-west
corner had an incomplete appearance along
Every summer both the hawthorn trees and the euonymus shrubs are fertilized and the euonymus are sprayed against mites to which they are most susceptible. Regular cleanup is required of the unfortunate ever-accumulating litter as well as leaves. And then there is the weeding and replenishing of mulch. This year the hawthorns as well as the euonymus will be ready for pruning. The steel car rails need a regular scheduled repainting. So you see how important a maintenance endowment is to keep our Stockade Gateway beautiful. Your help is essential. Just think of the pleasure and pride the Gateway gives you whenever you pass through it. So give in proportion to your joy. Please send your contribution to:
The
Please make check payable to:
The
Have You Heard ... - Diane Buckley
• About the saga of the scones? Last issue I raved about the ones at Arthur’s, stopped by the store to buy some, and Pete said he was no longer using that bakery. I cried. For consolation (and asking forgiveness) he bagged a sampling of new products - including a scone. It is an American version - much lighter, smaller, sweeter and drizzled with a sugar glaze. Perhaps I’m just a scone purist. However, there is a new item that is absolutely delicious. It’s a cross between phyllo dough and puff pastry and wrapped around some tasty cheese. I don’t know what they’re called and neither does anyone else in the store. Just find or ask for the flakey cheese filled thingies.
Have
You Seen
•
One of the birds that I’ve seen in and around the Stockade is the White-breasted Nuthatch. It is our largest Nuthatch. The males and females can be distinguished, with practice, by looking at the dark patch on top of their heads. In the male this patch is jet black, while in the female it is lighter and has a silvery sheen to it. The song is a rapid series of nasal whistles on one pitch. The call is usually a low-pitched, repeated, nasal yank. They also come to feeders.
- James L. Taft
AKA Captain
Eagle Eyes
Addition
to January’s Spy feature on Slick’s Tavern
Customers and Mike Naumoff report that Barbara Naumoff does a lot at Slick’s -- she runs the place. Mike
says, “She’s the boss!”
Congratulations to:
• Harold &
Debbie Schneiderwind, formerly of
Welcome to:
• Mabel Leon who
bought a home on
Farewell to:
• Long time neighbor, Bobbie Bowden of Cucumber Alley.
Condolences to:
• The family of Agnes Synder of
• The family of Sergio Balducci
of
If you know of any items for “Tidings” (neighborhood arrivals,
departures, births, deaths, anniversaries) please call
The Spy Editor, Sylvia Briber, 377-0469.
The last sunrise
In the
Stockade;
The most amazing hues:
Pinks, purples and blues.
The sight imbued
With a spectrum of emotions,
Just like the colors
Peering over the horizon.
The unknown always
Carries feelings
Of wonder and foreboding.
What will tomorrow bring?
Are those wondrous colors
In the sky
Foretelling hope and promise
And things to come?
Though it is the last day,
It is not goodbye
But rather farewell,
Because the Stockade for me
Was a good place to be.
- Krystyna Kusielewicz
Reminder
As it gets darker sooner, remember to lock your doors and windows and close your blinds for best security and privacy. Report to Kevin Green, our Stockade Police Contact, any actions of theft, however small. His pager number is 341-2078.
Going the wrong way on a one way street is basically the story of Bob Lapers life.
A rebel kid, defiant in the age of the Beatles, intelligent
dreamer, art school drop out. Not a 9-5 guy. An early love of art
encouraged by his New York City grandmother, who took him to galleries and
museums and seriously asked his opinion, combined with a “somewhat
architectural” background, brought him to house restoration and conservation in
Columbia County where trendy NYC people were buying older homes. Fifteen years
of that was enough. He had his before, during and after photo album. And he was
broke.
Bob noticed an empty store front with large front windows at 115 South Ferry Street on his way to the motor vehicle office to straighten out an overdue registration discovered when he was stopped for driving the wrong way on a one way street. Shortly after he stopped by Lee Kenniston’s antique shop to chat and heard this greeting, “I’ve been thinking.., you should have a store front:’ With a handshake Bob agreed to restore some of Kennistons antique pieces in return for financial help getting a foot in his own studio door. Stunned and amazed he understood that within an hour and a half of walking down South Ferry his life had changed.
On a slender budget he worked with no electricity until dark and as the days grew longer he was still removing a false ceiling to expose the original wainscoting and creating a workspace with salvaged materials, even a front counter. The stock came from his own collection, buying, bartering, and consignment, going through curbside trash in the Stockade and on country roads. The doors opened in August of last year.
Why Broken Art Studio? A bit of philosophical alliteration; broken art, broken heart . . . restore, repair, fix. Conservation will keep a piece from further loss or decay but restoration applied to a building, a piece of furniture, a painting (or a heart) is intended to get as close as possible to the original state. Bob thinks restoring a canvas “is like painting by numbers without the numbers:’ Serious patience, imagination and a sixth sense all develop with time and experience.
To call the studio eclectic is an understatement. In the front window is a small sit-in car of high impact plastic with a “leather” seat. It looks rather new but is from the 70’s and needs only a battery mechanism repair and a child to put it on the road. There’s stuff piled and displayed all over the place; a saucer from Niagara Falls, crystal and cut glass, collectable jewelry, salvageable architectural pieces like windows of diamond shaped glass, old cook books, andirons, pottery, decorative tins, a box of hot wheels. . . the more you look the more you see.
Bob
sees things differently. I see a lovely old rosewood and mahogany bed and he
sees it as a flower filled window box. And he’s so right! He also sees faces in
objects and his signature item is a doll’s face, perhaps with tiny wings.
Consider this: an antique doll’s face cast and molded to the round side of an
old tea kettle “to give an inanimate object life.” It’s in the shop and you
certainly won’t find another like it.
Think of what you’ve thrown
out, stored in your mother’s attic or still use or display because broken or
not you don’t know what to do with it. Broken Art, generally speaking, is open
And don’t forget he rewires and repairs lamps! We have a versatile preservationist living and working in the Stockade. Tell your friends.
- Diane
Buckley
PS. There is one art preservationist listed in the yellow pages and that’s in Delmar.
STOCKADE STOPPER - Three Little Indians-Where Are They Now?
One little, two little, three little Indians;
four little, five little, six little Indians;
seven little, eight little, nine little Indians;
ten little Indian boys.
Since
time not remembered, Stockade mothers have counted their infant’s toes to the
rhythm of this nursery rhyme to entertain, to amuse and to teach. This rhyme
describes the counting of ten different little Indians whereas in this tale of
Laurence we see the counting of one Indian ten times. And
more. But maybe that’s not what this is at all. Maybe it’s a tale of
siblings. Or of cloning. In any event, on the Sunday
morning of February, 1690, the day following the great massacre and burning of
the Stockade settlement, three heroes emerged from a great alarm, a great lie
and a great chase.
The first, of course, was Symon
Schermerhoorn, who in the thick of battle, mounted his trusty steed, fought
through the attackers and although severely wounded, rode six hours through a
blizzard to alarm the distant settlement at Fort Orange. It was now
Later that same morning our
second hero emerged in the person of Major John Glen
who the French brought across the river from
Then the great chase began.
Laurence and a group of Mohawks responding to Schermerhoorns alarm, rushed from
Returning from the chase, Laurence, the praying Indian, as those Stockaders referred to the natives baptized into Christianity, found the survivors utterly dejected and without determination to rebuild the Stockade settlement. Much credit can be showered upon Laurence for his persuasive insistence that convinced the stubborn and forlorn Dutchmen to begin again.
Laurence, the praying Indian, a
hero of the massacre and Laurence the Stockade Statue share this historic legend.
For the two became one after centuries had passed. Laurence the Stockade Statue
was born by the hand of wood carver Samuel Anderson Robb around 1860 in
The very next year ‘number 53, Indian chief” is found in the catalog of J.L Mott Iron Works of New York City, listed at $500 complete with cast iron base.
So guess what? Our Laurence has
a big, big family living all over the country and they’re all identical brothers.
Our Laurence came to
Eleven little, twelve little, thirteen little Indians:
Fourteen little, fifteen little, sixteen little Indians:
Seventeen little, eighteen little, nineteen little Indians:
Twenty little Indian boysl
Jim Schmitt