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| Johnson Hall |
This was a fun one, Ed, and we sure live in the right region for it. Historical sites abound all around us.
We were, however, pretty busy with farm work this week, so we only got to two sites and in the rain at that. However, Johnson Hall is iconic for almost anyone who grew up in the region. Virtually all school kids went there on class trips at least once, and saw the tomahawk cuts in the banister, the small, but exquisite, furniture, and the big fireplaces and all.
And then there was the nifty diorama of the region in the block house.
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| The Blockhouse, one of two originals. The other was destroyed |
We always took the kids to the Revolutionary War Reenactments there every summer...they still go when they get a chance. Love that cannon fire and all the muskets.
The folks often put on their Scottish garb and strolled among the tents and camps.
Should you happen to read Kenneth Roberts' books of the era, however, you will get a somewhat different view of Sir William and his family than is portrayed in local history.
For more Sunday Stills.
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| Sir William Johnson |
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10 comments:
Very cool, when I'm up in NY I try to check out as many sites as I can, I did manages to get to Plattsburgh where the U.S. had a major victory over the Brits during the war of 1812, that was pretty cool..:-))
What beautiful buildings those are. Our modern architecture sure does come up short compared to what we used to build. I might have to check out those books too, I sure could use something good to read.
Being married to an architect who wishes he could do design work like that...absolutely cost prohibitive. He does much work in historic preservation trying to save such treasures. Having grown up in a house built in 1830, having an Underground Railroad station in the horse barn, It is something he's always been passionate about. We live in SD now, so it is different historic kind of stuff from home in Clinton County/Plattsburgh, Lake Champlain.
Ed, there sure is a lot to see up here. When the kids were small we hit the historical sites all the time. took a picnic and had a great time. Never been to Plattsburgh. Alas we are stuck going only to places that can be reached between milkings.
DD, thanks! I think you will enjoy them. Roberts had something of a unique view of historical events, but I think a lot of it was probably pretty accurate and the stories are fascinating. Bring the French and Indian War and the Revolution to life in an amazing fashion.
I recently reread Kenneth Roberts books on the Revolution. Most of it happended right around here. He puts i different light on Benedict Arnold also. Love his books. Kenneth Gross and his dowsing rod is my favorite but that is a different subject. Love Mom
Beautiful old buildings! Just imagine they are over 250yrs old!! Construction sure ain't what it used to be!! :)
Loved your photos and information. So much history there! During the Revolution, my ancestors came through that area from Saratoga on their way to Canada. (Loyalists).
caroline, What a wonderful passion! We often speculate what it would cost to build our house today...if it were even possible. Up in the attic is a full set of custom made wood planes that were used to make the moldings and cupboards and such. Even tiny things like door latches and cupboard handles, even in places where you don't see them, are intricate beyond belief.
Mom, I just read them all too and feel like sitting down and doing it again. Everyone should read them to appreciate some of what it took to build this country! Haven't read the dousing rod one yet though. I love Edmond's Drums Along the Mohawk too and have read it every couple of years since I was a kid. Really gives you a feel for all that happened here so long ago.... love you!
Dibear, wish I could have showed you the inside! A fabulous job was done on the restoration and the interior is really something. Like stepping back in time.
Strawberry, what a story that must be!! Thanks
OH! HOW FUN! You live in history. Your world is old...mine young...we became a town in 1880..I would LOVE to see New-York as it once was spelled!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Well done, history abounds in your area. How wonderful to be so close to all that history! :)
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