Oneida County Soldiers At Gettysburg

I wanted to share these photos with you because they mark the place many of "our boys" from Oneida County died. The battlefield of Gettysburg is only about 5 hours from here and is the site of the costliest battle ever fought on American shores. All told over 50,000 men gave their lives at this incredible battle, including many men of the 97th NYVI "Conkling Rifles" and the 146th NYVI Zouaves. The 97th marker is placed on the lines of the first day of battle, and the 146th marker is placed high on the hill called "Little Round Top". If you haven't been to Gettysburg, please go and pay tribute to all of the men who made the ultimate sacrifice to reshape the United States into a more perfect Union. And be sure to find the monuments that mark the spots where many from the Mohawk Valley fell, and never saw their beloveds and homes again. The fighting did not end there for many. In the ensuing 2 more years of war hundreds more Oneida County men would perish in the war.

Early Spring In The Valley...

Take a seat and enjoy the view!

It's amazing that from one vantage point you can see much of what makes the Mohawk Valley

such a lovely place. Beautiful-historic buildings, sweeping hilly vistas, a ski hill and facility right in the city, farms and farmland, and lots of space.

You can see several churches from this view, and can see barns and farm-land right across the valley in Marcy and Deerfield.

As you can tell if you follow my posts, I especially love the tranquility and beauty of Roscoe Conkling Park. I took a walk on the 2nd day of spring and thought I would share a few special photos. There were no other people, just dozens of crows there at sunset, so these photos are one-of a kinds!

Soaring

Like a beautiful dream I stand in the waning electric blue light of a fading sunset,

I breathe deeply and stretch my arms as if soaring like an eagle far above the city below.

The wind blows over the edge of the valley with a roar,

masking and obscuring the sounds and sights of the city.

The wind dusts the ground with blowing snow, hiding the blemishes,

pushes into the valley and then is gone.

The wind is gentle and whispering in my ears now,

as the city lights turn on, one by one.

Lights with bright colors that twinkle, pulse, and move in the chilled air.

Lights that are arranged in orderly patterns, or scattered about like the stars above.

The lights suggest a vibrancy and life that is an illusion,

for the mind knows what the eyes cannot see.

But hope, faith and determination are omnipotent in nature,

one is renewed in the beauty and serenity nature affords,

if one has the eyes to see.

On this Wintery Day....

TAKE PHOTOS $0 (unless you don't have a camera already, or want to get prints)

GO X-Country AT PARKWAY COST $0 ( We have our own skiis)

JUST GO OUT AND GO FOR A WALK-Again, Bring the Camera! COST $0

CUT A FRESH CHRISTMAS TREE COST: $25

BUILD A SNOWFORT COST: $0

In January most of us have become a little frustrated with mother nature and the long cold winter we've had thus far. Our faces have gotten pelted by sleet and freezing rain as we scrape the windows and extricate our cars to maintain our connections with the outside world...We curse the snowplow who dumps a pile of sludge and wet snow at the foot of the driveway just after you've shoveled.... We hold our breaths as we open our National Grid bills...We slip and slide on icy and unshoveled sidewalks...

To maintain your sanity, especially if you can't get away to Florida for a month or two is to learn to work with Mother Nature instead of against Mother Nature. ABOVE are just a few ways my family and I have learned to get through the long arduous upstate winters at relatively little if at no cost at all! Happy Winter all!!!

On this "Spring-like" day...

Went hiking over the weekend thought I'd share some winter-"Christmasy" scenes I took...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

On this Wintery Day...

Thought I'd share some summer with you on this blustery-wintery day! Enjoy!!!

Utica, NY Skyline Photos

Love to walk around downtown Utica. Taking photos is much easier (if you don't want a lot of cars or pedestrians) on Sat. or Sunday early AM. Utica is virtually a ghost town then so it is a great time to photograph, sketch or just study interesting architecture.

UC Hockey For A Change of Pace

The die hard hockey enthusiasts have followed and loyally supported the Utica College Hockey team the last few years, because they play hard and fast hockey, and do it pretty well. Unlike, their professional predecessors they play and love hockey for no pay, so it is easier to keep a college team on the ice in Utica then the high overhead professional teams that gave it a go in the past.

The team was "in pink" as a boost for National Breast Cancer Awareness. Another example of how supportive the community is as over 3,800 fans showed up to support Breast Cancer Awareness and to see this duel with 5th ranked Elmira. Go check out a game and support Coach Heenan and Utica College hockey. You'll have a great time too!!!

Seeing the Mohawk Valley in Less than 24 Hours

I've had several requests from people coming from out of town on my recommendations of things to do and see in the area-specifically Utica. Below I pasted a copy of my e-mail with my 10 recommendations if you have only a day to sightsee. This is a winter list. If it was summer the list would be very different and I would always recommend you come back in the summer when there is much more to do outdoors, which is this areas strongpoint. The road into Roscoe Conkling Park is a seasonal road so I suggested to Dylan M., that if he wanted to see the view from "The Eagle" that he be in fairly good shape, and dressed warmly to make the ascent preferably from Master Garden Road on Oneida Street in Utica. If you are a jogger or x-country skier the ascent should be a fair to moderate difficulty run or ski. If you are in good to excellent condition, you can make the ascent by parking at the chalet parking lot and hiking up the ski hill if they are not open yet, or park at the entrance on the Parkway about a 1/2 mile up and hike up from there.

COPY OF E-Mail
Hi Lori,
Thank you for your nice comments regarding my blog.
If you come back in summer (best time to sightsee) I'll point you to some of the well kept secrets you can only see on foot or bicycle. I have a great bicycling map of historic sights/attractions in Utica if you would like a copy all I ask is you send a check for $2, or $2 worth of postage stamps for postage and handling to me at 4340 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 -no calls please. I also have mapped out trails of R. Conkling and New Hartford Town Park, Whitestown Town Park if anyone is interested...once again all I ask is the $2ea for the maps. Also, please allow several weeks to get any maps to you as this is not a business for me, just a love and a hobby.

1) Munson Williams Museum-Designed by Philip Johnson
2) Fountain Elms (right next door to Munson Williams) A late 1800's period home w/walking tours and decorated seasonally.
3) Take the brewery tour on Varick Street in Utica.
4) Have lunch at Fianchetto's (Italian) Varick Street or Gabriels Trattoria in New Hartford or Ancorra on Genesee St., Utica... Utica has some of the best Italian Restaurants, Pizzerias in the country.Grab a cannoli on Bleecker Street in Utica at Caruso's. Don't like Italian? let me know and I'll send you some other restaurant ideas- we have some very good small Viet, Thai, Polish, Bosnian and Japaneserestaurants.
5) Siesta?
6) Take a drive down Genesee Street until you hit New Hartford if you want to see a lot of interesting architecture without getting out of the car. When you hit Uptown (Uptown Theatre area) grab a cup of joe or tea at Cafe Domenico or drive 5 minutes further to New Hartford and get your brew at Angelica's Cup in downtown New Hartford. Get your GPS out if you want to see some of the more historic buildings like "Old Main" in West Utica, Union Station in Utica, the Stanley in Utica, St Johns Church in Utica, Presbyterian Church in Utica, Rutger Street historic mansions. Blink and you might drive by most of these.
7) Head out to the village of Clinton (10 minutes) and enjoy the charm of Christmas in a village where things look like they did 50 years ago and do some shopping in the little shops and boutiques there.If you have some daylight, drive up to Hamilton College (2 minutes from Village) and check out this historic and architecturally interesting ivy league campus.
8) If you want to explore some local history and have some extra time left, go to the Ft Stanwix Museum in Rome (20 minutes from Utica) there is a period fort w/ actors in period dress. Check the schedule for events through the holiday. There is an indoor museum that covers a lot of the Revolutionary War History of this area and the part it's people (including native Americans) played.
9) If you are in Rome go to the Savoy Restaurant for dinner.
10) Feel like a kid again...go sledding at the Parkway and bring the camera!!!

Final hint...if it's real cold when you come here, wear lots of layers-peel off as necessary

Have a great stay-tell your friends-come back again!

PJ


Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:34 PM Subject: Utica, NY
Hi!

I found your blog just by doing a search on the internet.I'm going to Utica, NY for just a day over Xmas break to see a relative.I love your blog! If in Utica for only a day (one full day) what would you suggest doing? From the blog, the city looks so beautiful and totally my style. I'm going with my father and sister and my Dad is very into architecture and old industrial things. I'd appreciate any thoughts you may have.

Thank you for your time!
Lori, California

Our Beautiful Valley

Our valley covers 5,882 square miles and stretches along the Mohawk River for almost a hundred miles connecting Utica and Rome to the west, Schenectady and Rotterdam to the East. It is a beautiful valley carved out by a melting glacier as it headed down towards the ocean.

My favorite photo shoots and places to visit of the valley, are in Roscoe Conkling Park in Utica. The proximity of the city, the park and the clear view it affords, expansive open green areas, and the closeness of the northern and southern rims of the valley make for most exceptional views. Having traveled around much of the US, I can say with much enthusiasm that this is truly a gem and a blessing to those fortunate enough to live here and enjoy its beauty.

If you've never been up there, go and go often, because it changes so dramatically from season to season, from morning to night. Sit on that strange chair next to the eagle some twilight and take a deep breath of crisp clean air and watch the sun come down. Be amazed at the colors and hues, be intrigued by the shadows and the lights of the city below turning on one by one. Check out the cars as they snake their way down the north side of the valley on Rt12, then walk out onto the open span of grass and watch as the stars and planets put on their own show. Cross country ski on freshly fallen snow, walk-bike or jog through the park and the new Switchback. Any time of the year, it's truly an amazing place!

TURKEY TROT...Another Example Of How Our People- Are Our Greatest Resource!

It was 23 degrees out but "partly cloudy" as I looked at the thermometer in my kitchen window early on Thanksgiving morning. There was still time to settle in with a nice hot cup of coffee and the OD, and talk myself out of gearing up and running in the ice cold annual "Turkey Trot", at the Parkway in Utica. I needed an emotional push if I was going to go, so I needed to find a running partner. My wife had just arose, and when I asked her she said matter of factly; "no way". My daughter still in bed just groaned and pulled the covers over her head when I asked her. As I considered whether to even ask my 11 year old son Nolan, I quietly tapped on his bedroom door. I was quickly and pleasantly shocked and jolted into running mode, when my son still half asleep in bed, answered my plea to go by jumping out of bed saying nothing but "sure!".

Nolan and I check-in at the Parkway chalet where they cheerfully accept our canned food donation, and then moved on to register and donate our $10 for the run for hunger. It's nice to see many friendly and familiar faces as we head out to the starting line on the Parkway. Some are runners you see in the Development Runs (another great event in the MV), some are business associates, neighbors, or people I have seen in passing through the years. As tough as times are lately it's exciting to see hundreds of people including my own son come out willing to help those in need. Thats what makes this area so special. People willing to come out to help those who are less fortunate early on a chilly holiday morning. The "Turkey Trot' is one of the less publicized examples of how giving this community is.

It turns out to be a tough first "turkey trot" run for Nolan, but Dad gets the opportunity to enjoy the comraderie with my son and other runners, the scenery, and even take a few pictures. All along the way many runners and volunteers urge us on and tell us what a great job we were doing! This seems to help chill Nolan out a little, as he gets a little grumpy and tired as we make the final ascent to the midway point (the Eagle). After making the loop at the Eagle, the course is all downhill and the run becomes a little easier for Nolan. As we move down the hill, Nolan moves at a steady pace and even saves a little for the last 20-30 yards and makes a fast dash to beat Dad.

Thanksgiving morning it was a pleasure to share the road with not only my son Nolan, but hundreds of fellow runners who got up early to run and share a cold Thanksgiving morning, and better yet, donated canned food and $5 each to the hungry and needy of the Mohawk Valley. If our leaders could learn to tap our most valuable resource (our people) our problems would be fewer I'm sure.

November...

Root Glen In Spring

November is always a tough dreary month for Upstaters to get through. The first snows, the dead leaves and browning grasses, daylight savings time, brown and gray, anticipation of the holidays and on and on....that's why in November there is no better time to reflect on and relive those special moments and places we savor and enjoyed as residents of the Mohawk Valley in Upstate NY. That is most likely why the Thanksgiving holiday takes place when it does. So this Thanksgiving holiday reflect and be grateful for all that makes our home in the Mohawk Valley so special and good, and be thankful that God gives us this moment every year when we can take time to savor all of the bounty we have enjoyed. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Where it all started...Where it all begins again...

It is mid morning in Utica as I drive down Main Street past Union Station and the Children's Museum. I park my car in front of the wrought iron fence and gate that leads to Baggs Tavern.

There is absolutely no one around as I enter the grassy area in front of the tavern, there is no traffic either, because the road dead ends on the the other side of Genesee street which ramps over Main street and blocks from view this important historical site. As the cars overhead roar on the ramp above, I reflect on how cities like Utica and towns like New Hartford decided to erase the past through urban renewal programs in the 50's, 60's and 70's. Or in the case of Baggs Tavern, stick it and historic Union station on some backward forgotten road. A road that used to be Main Street. A busy Main Street that was the lifleblood of the city until a bridge was "gashed" over it, and numerous historic buildings and neighborhoods were destroyed in the process.

In 1798 "old Fort Schuyler" was incorporated as the village of Utica after Erastus Clark wrote the name "Utica" an ancient Carthaginian port on a piece of paper in a name selection process for the village. The village of Utica had roughly 50 homes then and would soon grow dramatically when the Erie Canal was started in 1817 and Utica became a port city to the development of the west.

This area I am standing in now was a hub and central point for well over a 150 years until the bridge was built.

In any proposal to try and bring back life to the Mohawk Valley, the place where it all started, should be part of any redevelopment. This area is rich in heritage and history, and residents, visitors and newcomers to the area, need to have access to learn about it. The effort to restore Rutger street is an example of the right kind of renewal this area needs to do to. Addressing this gash across Utica is an even more important one to address before more Mohawk Valley history and culture deteriorates even more, and important buildings are demolished. This area in a successful rebuilding of Utica, will be an important tie in with Harbor Point and downtown Utica.

Much thought needs to go into how to go about it including possible taking down the bridge/ramp and making Genesee Street level right into North Utica.

As I get in my car, I drive past Jeffrey Hardware. It is closed now, and becomes one more liability and hurdle for the City of Utica to overcome. Route 5S has a steady stream of traffic as I head back towards the turn-off for New Hartford. As I head up the arterial towards New Hartford, I think to myself that this area really has a lot to work with, it just needs a little common sense and planning, and maybe then people can get excited again about the area, and get behind efforts to intiate the change. Then politicians will have no choice but to come along for the ride or get off.

Root Glen

This is truly a garden get away. It is usually quiet, and I have seldom visited here when it was over run with visitors. It gets busy when there is an alumni or parents weekend at Hamilton College, but otherwise you generally have the run of the place. This is also an excellent spot for taking wedding photos if you are looking for a spot. There are some neat bridges at the bottom and beautiful 3 season flower gardens on the side of the Glen. Root Glen has many unusual species of flowers, plants and trees as well as a flowing brook at the bottom that you can sit on a bench next to, contemplate life, get back to nature and be back to the city in less than 10 minutes.

Your dog is welcome as long as they are leashed and my children have always enjoyed walking through the glen and posing next to unusual species of plant, or hiding in the recess of a tree.

It's worth a trip or two and who knows, you might find yourself a favorite spot at the Glen and become a frequent visitor.

There is a map on Hamiton College's website.

Takin in the "Cuse"

I know they're not in the good ol Mohawk Valley, but if you take in the games at the dome, it sure makes living here special. On a good day or night I can usually make it to the dome in less than an hour and see a great basketball, or a so-so football game. If you've never gone, try it! Bring some friends and family along and make it a real special outing.

Faxton Canal, Utica NY

I still love to walk around this area, because of the interesting people and buildings that have so much character, unlike my neighborhood in Whitesboro. If you're lucky you can even get a photo like this one (above) that shows how beautiful this area can be with it's historic buildings and beautiful color and scenery. It is there, you just have to get out of your car and walk around now and then to find it. Or better yet ride a bike. Be on the safe side though and be careful after dark, if you are not familiar with this area. Unfortunately, there are areas here, I would say are quite dangerous at night.

Photo was taken just after a wicked thunderstorm, and then the skies cleared just in time for a gorgeous sunset over the Presbyterian Church in Utica. The streetlights came on which added to the illusion of Faxton Street looking like a river or canal.

What do the Alamo and Oriskany Have In Common?

When I was in San Antonio recently I could not help but wonder as I looked around at the hundreds of visitors and rooted around the gift stores, how different this historic battle site was from the Battle of Oriskany site I wrote about not too long ago in this blog. The difference was quite striking because at the Oriskany site there was no one there. Here thousands visited daily from all over the world, spending millions of dollars a year in the local economy. Nearby, the riverwalk hosted several conventions at the hotels there and thousands of tourists and locals enjoyed dining along the canal at dozens of small restaurants and shopping the little boutique stores, while others walked, jogged or rode small boats on the canal.

Not to downplay what happened at the Alamo as a few hundred men fought heroically and died here. It seems most of us know something about the history of the Alamo, yet ask even locals here about the Battle of Oriskany, and few can give any details. Ask someone say from San Antonio about Oriskany, and they will give you the most quizzical look you ever saw. One older man I spoke with who was a WW2 veteran, asked if that was what the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany was named after. He was the only one of a dozen people I spoke with that was even

close. I was able to get them on the right trackonly by mentioning the movie "Drums Along the Mohawk".

I won't go into the details of the battle only that the Americans and Oneidas suffered over 450 casualties and this was one of the bloodiest battles in the American Revolution and an important and significant battle in the Saratoga Campaign. Yet, very few Americans even know about the battle much less any details.

I went to school in Texas for four years, and there is a pride and community spirit there you don't find around here. They teach Texas history first and foremost, and the Alamo is the symbolic "brand" of Texas. When a Texan has to leave, they most always think that they are leaving temporarily, and will return as soon as possible. And when they talk about the the heroic exploits of Texans, including the fallen at the Alamo, they talk with pride and enthusiasm about the importance of what happened at the Alamo and it's impact on shaping Texas.

I guess what it comes down to is Texans are just better marketers than we are here in Upstate New York. They love their state and love to talk about the exploits of their heroes. New Yorkers need to learn to start doing the same. It's that simple. We have much to love and be proud of, and much to share with not only other Americans, but the whole world. So, learn and love local history, and then advertise and help brand the Mohawk Valley.

The Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of Oriskany were both horrific and terrible battles that were symbolic and important turning points in American history, and that much we have in common with our Texas counterparts. Last week I visited Oriskany and there was one car there.

I reflected on the striking contrast with the bustling Alamo and I decided like our forefathers did, that here lied the fate of our community, our state and our country.

Grace Church A Downtown Utica landmark, Utica, NY

Built around 1860 with money donated by prominent Utican Alfred Munson, Grace Church stands as a testament of the proud and prosperous past of Utica. Designed by architect

Richard Upjohn this building is a must see for those interested in historical architecture. The interior is a little dark but beautifully crafted. And if you can go when the organ and the music are playing it is really quite remarkable.

If you're hungry, nearby restaurants like the Court-Vue on Elizabeth Street,

Pho Mekong on John Street, Grimaldi's on Bleecker Street, Geisha 2 are a few of my favorite eateries nearby. Get a canoli at Caruso's Pastry Shop on Bleecker Street afterwards and you're good for another hour of hiking around downtown.

A Local Jewel, Stanley Theater, Utica, NY

For those who haven't driven through downtown Utica recently, you'll notice the Stanley looks
quite different from the above photo I took a few years ago before the rennovations began.
We are indeed fortunate to have such dedicated people in this community who realized the value of this landmark building and lovingly restored not only the inside but the outside as well.
Most recently they finally installed a massive chandelier made by Utica company Meyda, and expanded the stage area to accomodate the full sets of Broadway shows. Although I am sentimental about the way the Stanley used to look, I am quite pleased with the work done
on this wonderful facility. Take a look next time, or better yet catch a show!
If you have an appetite after a show, there's not too much open after 7 or 8 in downtown Utica. If you head north on Genesee street you will probably find Babe's Macaroni Grill and Delmonico's Steakhouse open and serving pretty good fare. The 258 Steak house is supposed to reopen soon
which is right next door to the Stanley. I've only had lunch at the Hotel Utica and it was good but seemed a little pricey.

Utica Lunatic Asylum, Utica, NY

After reading about the historic homes in Rutger Park it got me thinking about the Utica Psychiatric Center Building aka NYS Lunatic Asylum, Utica State Hospital. If you are looking for an interesting way to spend a few moments, bring along a camera and be prepared to be

amazed at how magnificent this structure truly is as you walk around it. If you're into architecture Utica Psych. built in 1814 this is listed in the National Historic Register as one of the finest examples of Greek Revival Architecture. There is quite a bit of info out there if you do a Google search. Occasionally, they have walking tours in conjunction with Utica Monday Night.

Anyway, hopefully this site will be given some much needed attention, focus and dollars as it is such a wonderful opportunity for this area especially with the adjacent acreage that NYS owns

along with the property.