A Reader’s Response to Utica’s History

I’ve been so wildly busy now that the warm, spring weather has finally arrived. We’ve not had any time to travel at all! the kids were moping today, wanting to “go somewhere.” All I can do is comfort them my promising a trip soon (we’ve going up toward the Adirondacks next week, so I’ll have to plan something).

I’ve been extremely busy getting my gardens prepared for the growing season and trying my hand at planting a grape vine. I’m excited over that! I don’t think I’ll ever get into a wine club or anything, but it would be gratifying to have fresh grapes at the table and a bottle or two of my own homemade wine!

At any rate, we’re hoping to check out the Adirondacks soon. In the meantime, I’m going over old trips and republishing them for those of you who haven’t seen them. I also got a terrific response to my post on Bagg’s Square in Utica. A former Utican, living through the “Sin City” days of the 50s and 60s, sent me such a rich email that i asked him if I could publish it for others to enjoy. He graciously gave his permission. I suppose his story tells the story of so many Upstate New York cities in the 50s and 60s. Upstate was on the verge of the edge of the steep decline we are experiencing today. Due mostly to corruption and changes in our state constitution that favored Downstate policies, Upstate New York is still reeling. I’ll leave you with his email. It is an interesting read: Read more