A Drive Through Colgate University Campus, Hamilton, NY

Colgate University, in Hamilton, Madison County, NY, is another one of the finest and oldest universities in the United States. While in Hamilton, I took a drive around the campus and snapped some photos of the very unique buildings there. Colgate University was established in 1817, and, like most universities in the United States, was [...]

Hamilton College Library: Kirkland & Hamilton Stained Glass

We took a little jaunt out to the Hamilton College campus recently, braving the sub-zero temperatures. There was something we wanted to see. Lovely, aren’t they? These two stained glass windows are of General Alexander Hamilton and Reverend Samuel Kirkland. Rev. Kirkland founded the college in 1793 as the Oneida-Indian Academy. It was chartered in [...]

On Frozen Lake Oneida

I’ve always wanted to walk on top of Oneida Lake during the winter. As a kid, growing up by the lake, my parents forbid it. And I was a good girl, I never went on it. But now that I am older, HA HA! My daughter and I went out toward Syracuse a few weeks [...]

Central New York Zoo News

Good news and bad news for two Central New York zoos. The last Siberian tiger at the Utica Zoo has died. Monona was euthanzied due to complications from kidney disease, from aging. Her sister, Wingra died last year. The two tigers came to the zoo in 2001 (wow, they seem to have been there longer!). [...]

The FX Matt Brewing Company, Utica, NY

The FX Matt Brewery is the second-longest running brewery in the nation, based in Utica, NY. It’s somewhat of a landmark here in this immigrant city, supplying jobs for many workers (even during th Prohibition Era). We took a guided tour of the building and the inner workings of the brewery, where all the stuff happens! Then we were treated to a Saranac beer in the elegant Matt saloon.

Exploring the Utica Public Library

Wandering around the Utica Public Library is fun! The massive collection of books and other media, combined with the stunning architecture and quiet reading nooks makes the visit very enjoyable.

Oneida Community Mansion House, Sherrill, NY

The Oneida Mansion House was built by the Oneida Community, a “free love” communalist cult that found refuge from persecution on Indian lands. These people built a virtual paradise for themselves, until bickering from within broke it all up. The Mansion is open for tours, and visitors are free to roam the grounds. I wrote a history of the cult– truth can be so stranger than fiction!

Bagg’s Square and Old Fort Schuyler, Utica, NY

Before there was Utica, there was Fort Schuyler. And before there was Walmart, there was Bagg’s Tavern at Bagg’s Square. This site, located north of the city, was the first area in the area to be settled and maintained as a merchant center. It’s quite the experience, exploring this old little building with superhighways roaring around you.

Fly Creek Cider Mill, Fly Creek, NY

Fly Creek Cider Mill is a little jewel just north of Cooperstown. It’s a combination old-fashioned store/ cider mill/ livestock farm/ educational experience. No wonder it’s such a popular place! And who the heck named the town “Fly Creek”?!

The Old Main, or Utica Lunatic Asylum, NY

Renowned as the finest example of Greel Revival architecture in the world, the Old Main, or old Utica Lunatic Asylum, still stands. Barely. It sits aloof on its once pastoral grounds in the heart of Utica, NY. It’s history is incredibly rich and it is for this reason that this magnificent building still stands. This is my investigation of its history and the earth-shattering movement of treatable mental illness in this country.

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