Readers Comments - January 2003 to December 2003As of December 2, 2003
Hours of Pleasure
Seemed like an appropriate time to thank you for the hours of pleasure you have provided with your Book-In-Progress. JBRevolutionary War
One of the reasons I marched in the Battle of Oriskany re-enactment (August 5, 6, 7, 1977) was that my great, great, great, great, great (I think that's enough!) grandfather, Captain Andreas Dallenbach was killed in the battle and, as it turned out, was killed by a neighbor from the Stone Arabia area who was on the other side. I was the same age during our battle as he was when killed 200 years later which was sort of ironic. I had my photo, in color, laying dead, on the front page of the Sunday Observer. He had his name on the monument at Oriskany. My mother and my sister who are DAR members, are always invited to the memorial service each summer at the monument where the Oneidas and the DAR place a wreath at the base of the stone. BDHow to Save the Delphus Kill?
As a relative newcomer to the Mohawk River area, I recently got involved with the West Latham Neighborhood Association and became aware of the Delphus Kill. Right now much of the immediate land around the Delphus Kill stretching from the Mohawk to I-87 is zoned "undeveloped." There is now a lot of construction activity around Exits 6 and 7 (Target, Lowe's, Applebee's, Krispy Kreme Donuts, and much more). Some pressure is being applied to rezone the Delphus Kill area (approximately 1600 acres) to commercial and heavy residential. Although there is no real way to stop at least some of that, I think that it might be possible to save a chunk of land around the Delphus Kill (both sides beyond the usual 100 foot construction-free designation) and maintain it as a "Mohawk Tributary Park" within the Town of Colonie. My guess is that there are probably artifacts and history attached to the Delphus Kill. The Town has just opened the Crossings and they have done quite a nice job with that. With your current documentation of the Mohawk Tributaries, do you have any thoughts/comments? DAI planned to explore the lower section of the Delphus Kill this past summer/fall, but never got around to it. I had passed the mouth of the Kill while canoeing the Mohawk, and it looked interesting. A topographical map confirmed that.
I don't have a secret formula for saving wild places. However, I can tell you that a serious concerted campaign by a local conservation oriented organization can really make a difference. If you haven't already done so, you might consider contacting your local sportsmen organization, county sportsmen organization, hiking clubs, bird watchers, Isaac Walton League, and of course, local and state politicians who have a record of championing conservation projects.
If you can identify sites of historical significance, then you can also expect some help from local historical societies. One way to locate possible sites is to study some of the old maps that are available at municipal and historical society libraries. Many of them show mill sites and other interesting information. You can also review some of the early history books on the County. They contain a wealth of info on early "development" and historical events. And if you really want to learn a lot about the area, study the Tax Maps at the the County Clerk's office. Some of them go back to the first settlers. Good luck; PaulKeesler / Casler - Palatines
I found your nice website. I have a genealogy question. Does your family name connect to the Palatine KESLER/CASLERs of the Hudson & Mohawk Valleys? I purchased an old 2-gallon Whites Utica stoneware jug at Back of the Barn Antiques. It has very nice blue floral decoration and the advertiser's stamps which read, “P. J. CASLER / CHEAP ONE PRICE / DRY GOODS & GROCERY STORE / MOHAWK, N.Y.” I've since gone online and found out quite a bit about Peter J. CASLER (1831-1922,) son of Jonas & Mary (BELLINGER) CASLER of Little Falls. This family is buried in the large Village of Mohawk, Town of German Flats, Cemetery. RHRegards Casler, Kesler, Geesler and Keesler. I don't know if I'm one. I know Geesler and Keesler are the same family, and they were Palatines living in the Mohawk Valley in the Fort Plain area. I also have info that my ancestry is Dutch and goes back to the 1700s on Long Island. I suspect there were Keeslers on both sides of the line that eventually became the boundary between the Netherlands and Germany. The Low Dutch lived in the lowlands of the Rhine Valley and the High Dutch lived in the highlands. When the High Dutch or Palatines came to America, specifically Pennsylvania, they were called Pennsylvania Dutch. My grandfather came from Pennsylvania where there are lots of Keeslers. Confusing huh? That's why I generally stay away from genealogy. Paul
East Canada Creek
Paul, please add a new member to your subscriber list. I already am signed up and thoroughly enjoy your BIP. Albert is a 98 year young person who has spent a lifetime on the Canada Creek, Mohawk River. He presently resides in Herkimer. He is my brother-in-law. He thoroughly enjoyed your writing effort on East Canada Creek BBMemory Lane
I have enjoyed your stories tremendously ! I spent the first 16 years of my life in Little Falls exploring all of the areas that you mentioned in your articles and then moved to Ilion until I was 19. My mother still lives in Little Falls ( Mildred Guinup ) and my father still lives in Ilion I now live in So. Calif. with its own adventures. It has been a walk down memory lane and would like to be notified of any new articles about your explorations of my homeland. NDInhaled Surroundings
I really liked your story (Oriskany Creek) especially the part where after finishing your lunch you sat back and inhaled surroundings as only those of us who have experienced it know what you were describing. I have done it many times and my only regret is we cannot freeze the moment. There is something about the wind rushing through the trees or the sound of running water that is so soothing. My favorite is the white pine with its long needles, the wind does special things when blowing through this species. Your paragraphs always bring back memories. DF
As of October 24, 2003ENOUGH IS ENOUGH , WHEN WILL THE BOOK BE PUBLISHED? I WILL
HAVE TO PURCHASE THREE COPIES: ONE FOR MYSELF, ONE FOR MY SON AND ONE FOR MY FATHER-IN-LAW. HOW MUCH? JSTwo years to go. Don't know what the price will be. Paul
The Castle
I was searching the Internet and came upon your web site. I wanted to make you aware that I just purchased the Castle and property encompassing the Old City Brook and Castle Road presented in your "Discovery Through A Child's Eyes" article of August 13, 2003. I'm concerned that you are advertising this as an adventure hike ????? ---- This is private property, the liability here is enormous. Encouraging people to trespass on private land and climb up the waterfall/cliff is not only illegal without permission, it is extremely dangerous. These people are lucky they didn't kill themselves.
I sincerely do appreciate what you are trying to do with your book, it looks like an excellent project and I would like to help and support you. I'm actually in the process of planning the restoration of the Castle with a Castle Road parking area and safe waterfall access, which we will eventually open to the public. Until then --- If you want to include this in your publication, please give me an opportunity to work with you on an appropriate article. I'd be happy to discuss the history, restoration work we are planning on the castle, as well as contact information if people want to visit the site until we officially open it. I look forward to hearing from you. TDI was not advertising an adventure hike on Old City Brook. Just relating an experience I had there with my grand children. Incidentally, there were no posted signs in or near the falls or gorge indicating visitors were not welcome. There were of course posted signs near the Castle. I will certainly include your message about your concerns in the Readers Comments Section of the Mohawk Valley Book-In-Progress, and provide a sidebar noting your concerns with the article.
I can assure you I have explored the falls and gorge extensively, and written about it in my KUYAHOORA - Discovering West Canada Valley book. There was no way I was going to jeopardize the safety of my grandchildren by taking chances. When you re-read the article you will note that "safety" was a major consideration. We were no where near any dangerous part of the falls. I have no idea how you got the idea we climbed up the cliff. I specifically noted we climbed around the cliff on the left side (opposite the Castle).
All that said, I congratulate you on your recent purchase and plans for restoration and public access. The loss of such an historic site, and restricted access to a wonder of nature would be tragic.
I hope we get a chance to meet and discuss our mutual admiration for Old City. PaulAmsterdam Boat Launch Closed
Thought you might like some update information on the launch ramp at Quist Road, just off Route 5 at the eastern edge of Amsterdam. There was some vandalism there in the past. Last week DEC officially closed the ramp and blocked it off. They said it was too steep and that algae often made the ramp too slippery to use. They hope to re-engineer it in the future but with many other projects already on the docket it may be some time before they get to it. I suspect it may be at least three or four years before they get around to it. RK
As of September 28, 2003
The Canals
I have come across this "First Canal" Signpost. Wasn't there an earlier canal from the East River to the Hudson River in New Amsterdam (now New York City) in the 1630's (present day Canal Street.) Isn't the Dutch canal the first canal in New York? TC
Butler's Ridge
It was a pleasure meeting you "on the trail"
a couple of weeks ago. Your story about Butler's Ridge was fascinating
and has persuaded me to purchase your Kuyahoora book. Later that day I
was talking to a gentleman who hunts out of the cabin where you had parked
your vehicle and he told me about finding an old musket, mostly buried,
leaning against a rock near the cabin. This was about 30-40 years
ago and he does not know what became of the old gun. As I said to you that
day, we have a nice collection of pieces relating to the Village of Mohawk
and immediate area at the Weller Library in Mohawk. As of now, you
have to make an appointment to see these items but this can be done by
calling the library at 866-2983. KB
Roots in Sauquoit Valley
A good friend and fellow classmate of mine in
the Class of 1946 from Sauquoit Valley Central School e-mailed your website
address. As of this date I have printed all of the material for more leisurely
reading a bit later and have found it most interesting reading and would
like to express my most sincere appreciation for the real fine work that
you are doing. I grew up having been born in Boonville (1928) but
raised mostly in the Sauquoit Valley. I went to school at Marcy State
Hospital, got a state scholarship and finished my BA at Adelphi in Garden
City, NY. While working at Kings Park State Hospital Uncle Sam issued
a call to come serve in the military - I did and spent 22.5 years and was
medically retired in 1976 as a Colonel. During my retirement years
I have delved into genealogy and a copy of the Denslow family line is on
file in the Oneida County Historical Society. We retired in the state
of Washington where we have resided since my retirement. We had 4
children - our oldest is a heavy duty diesel mechanic for the Tacoma P.D.,
our daughter lives in Portland, OR with her husband and 2 daughters, our
son Ralph was helicopter pilot in the USAF (Captain) and was killed in
a crash on Ft. Bragg. NC. Our youngest son is an executive with the US
Army and Air Force PX System headquartered in Dallas, TX. I still
have some kin that reside in the Sauquoit Valley and we try to get back
whenever possible. Again, Congratulations on an outstanding job - I am
looking forward to more to come. JG
Memories of Utica Area
Your book in progress has brought back many fond
memories of my youth growing up on Clementian Street near the Parkway.
I am looking forward to when it is published and I can buy one. I too shot
my first squirrel in Cascade Glen and wandered along the banks of Starch
Factory Creek, but we called it Devin's Creek. Can you give me an approximate
time frame when the book will be published. Once again Thank You for the
Memories.
JM
I expect to have the book completed in the Fall of 2005.
West Canada Creek
Three Sisters Garden
Enjoyed reading about your grandchildren and
their discoveries. They must enjoy coming spending time with you.
I think it is great they have a grandparent like you who teaches them things
about the past and about nature. SP
As of July 20, 2003
Canoe Trip From Hell was like reading a book that you can't put down. When I finished reading it I was soaking wet from perspiration. I think it was your most adventurous trip so far, and scariest for me. I was very happy to know that you survived and your thumb, etc healed. The photos are great too. MR
Believe me, I had to reread that one twice before the sequence of events finally sunk in. That's a fantastic story. Reminds me of those Harold Samson tales of the North Country. AM
I greatly enjoyed your Canoe Trip from Hell story--and the many lessons that can be learned. As I'm sure you are aware, river stones full of moisture do not make good fire rings. I've seen them explode like a frag grenade and do real damage--but it appears that you had more than enough self-administered damage anyway. I find it a very brave move to publish this story and provide some ammo for self-criticism. Honest stories such as yours may help others avoid such incidents and provide insights on how a simple canoe float trip can turn nasty. Thanks for the laughs and fine photos. You are still provide an inspiration for what I someday hope to accomplish in the outdoor writing field. JH
Just finished reading your story Canoe Trip From Hell, sounds like you guys had a rough time. Strangely enough my friend and I took a raft down the Schoharie from the Young's Lake area to Ft. Hunter the day after your trip. It went fairly well and we only had a few problems. However, last October a friend and I decided that we were going to canoe from Burtonsville Bridge to the Mohawk. Bad idea! We made in a couple hundred feet downstream and the strong current took us sideways, the canoe hit a large boulder in it's middle and it was immediately sucked under and pinned against it. All our gear including GPS, digital camera, SLR, etc went under. The water was freezing cold. We made it to shore but my friend lost his backpack. Unfortunately, we had to go back into the water to retrieve the canoe, which was no easy task. We dragged it up on a small Island but then had to take it across some pretty deep, rapid water to get to the west shore where we finally loaded it onto my Jeep. It's too bad that what was supposed to be a great trip turned out the way it did, but I'll always have an interesting story to tell people. JV
That's a pretty wild story. It made me wonder if Map Quest had much in the way of aerial photos of that area. They did. I grabbed a couple and attached them. I'm not sure if I caught the dam you mentioned and the 3 foot falls. Maybe they'll look familiar. The aerial photos seem to show a lot of rocks. The resolution's not quite good enough for details, but does give a nice overview. It may be good enough to explore the next trip before actually doing it if there is any question. Take care of yourself. Try not to cut off any more fingers. RS
If it's any consolation, Lewis & Clark went through much, much more on their Voyage of Discovery and emerged as genuine American heroes. They withstood attacks from marauding Indians, bitter cold and searing heat, lack of fish, game and other food and necessities- and they had no computer-generated maps nor first-hand information to help them in theirtrek. Somehow, somewhere, sometime and in some appropriate fashion you and your crew of Kamikaze Kanoeists will gain the recognition you so richly deserve. I wish I could have been there to share this adventure with you. My trips down that same stretch of the Schoharie pale in comparison. I feel cheated!!!!! RK
You may be interested in another book by Nelson Greene, "The Old Mohawk-Turnpike Book". it is 292 pages with 240 illustrations published in 1924. We continue to enjoy your writing, thank you for keeping all of us abreast of your progress. RP
I am trying to purchase some Phoebe spoons for trout fishing. I saw on the Internet where you have used these spoons before. Can you give me some advice on how I might go about purchasing some Little Phoebe spoons? Thank you very much! DC, St. Louis, Missouri.
They are sold in most tackle stores around here,
including Walmart. Made by Acme Tackle Co.
Give a click: http://www.acmetackle.com/scripts/catalog.html
As of July 5, 2003
We came from Michigan and kayaked part of the Mohawk River. I figure it cost me about $150 per mile and it was a mighty soggy trip due to constant rain but we did have fun. I had forgotten how beautiful the area east of Herkimer is. I ended up trailering boats, only to discover two outfitters in Little Falls that rent kayaks. Now that I'm more familiar with the river, the next trip will be a lot easier to plan. Reading your online accounts helped make it possible for us to take the trip, thanks! LB
Ed Bielejec (Mountain Sports in Barneveld) and I were returning from a Cape Cod striper fishing trip last spring and talking about locations for businesses and why the Mohawk Valley is not more of a "destination" spot like the Thousand Islands, Lake Placid, or even national parks like the Grand Tetons. We were remarking on what a beautiful area the valley is and Ed mentioned that what we need is a "fishing guru" who's a good PR person and who could initiate a "fishing destination" movement for the valley. I wonder if such a thing would be more possible now that the canal is getting more attention as a place to visit. Any thoughts? BF
Regards Nelson Greene. I think it's true, we don't give some of those old writers enough credit. They did a great job. Another one that I think has been abused is Jeptha Simms. After all, he did interview people who remembered the Revolution. So maybe some of the stuff is not accurate, who is to say? We certainly were not there. JD
I continue to enjoy your work. You are having more fun than I am. Looking forward to the publication of this book when it is finished. Keep it going! PB
The last segment on Timmerman Creek gives me the purpose to relate a long held belief. Geographical areas of significant beauty, recreational value or historical value should not be cut off from the public. Two good examples are Trenton Falls and Prospect Falls and the respective gorges. As you may know there are movements underway to change this. The common argument usually centers on liability. But all one has to do is look at the significant number of natural wonders open to the public. Roaring Brook up near Lowville, Chittenango Falls etc. The other argument is that the great unwashed public has a natural tendency to make messes wherever they go. True. But that means the agency, municipality or private owners must have the task of policing the property. I have close friends and relatives that decry the fact that the state of New York is buying up the wilderness to prevent an elite few from shutting out the public from places of grandeur and beauty. I am very much for state ownership of our large tracts of wilderness. The operative word is "stewardship." And all this coming from a guy who makes his living selling private property. All that private land along Timmerman Creek prompted this. I would like to go there and see what you saw. But the indication is that I wouldn't get too far without criminal trespass. Same is true of Spruce Creek in Salisbury. DP
Regards Auto Tour Info.
As of June 15, 2003
Regards Auto tours idea.
I feel a little foolish asking, but here goes anyway. When did you change the Title Page Photo and Text? Lately I've just been using the update links to check the new stuff and don't see the title page. Nice photo! I might be a little influenced by the train in this photo. It gives the viewer more to look at. It also looks greener. The bold red lettering really stands out and grabs your attention. DJ
I enjoyed the hot dog roast story (Ninemile Creek), especially the part about the different colored rocks. I have rested in the woods and thought about what was just under my feet . . . the many types of life, both animal and plant that existed there. It is just as interesting to contemplate the very, very small as it is to consider the heavens and the very, very large universe. Atoms and molecules are just miniature universes. JD
Liked this stuff (Ninemile Creek). However, maybe you shouldn't mention intentionally fishing for smallmouths in May and just say you saw them, or say they sometimes are caught by accident by trout fishermen. JP
You seem to know exactly who he (Benjamin Wright) was, but if you would like any more information, I am a gt gt gt grandaughter. Had I been born a boy, I would have been named Benjamin Wright. If you would like to add another portrait to your page, you are welcome to use the one that is at http://www.marblecemetery.org/wrightb.htm , which is owned by my brother. We have no other helpful canal memorabilia, unfortunately. Ben is buried in his vault in the New York Marble Cemetery in NYC. AB
As of May 12, 2003
Zimmerman Creek:
Oneida
Indian History
Roots in the Mohawk
Valley
As of February 16,
2003
A look at your book-in-progress is an adventure on the Internet. Thanks for being our tour guide and historian. NK
Regards Crum Creek Indian Fish Camp: Your article implies that bass were native to the Mohawk (River.) Are you sure? And you did not mention eels, which Phil Lord's (NYS Museum) fish weir articles note as being a major source of protein for the Indians. Regarding eels, note that elvers (small eels) can crawl along wet grass and rocks, and thus are able to bypass large falls and dams - and thus can move further upstream than mature migratory fish. The Northeast of the US had abundant eel runs, so I would be surprised if the Mohawk did not. DG
You are right about the eels. Thanks for the info. I have made that correction. Regards bass, I'm still working on that research.
Just wondering - I have always enjoyed your email articles and was glad to meet you at the New Hartford Historical Society meeting when you gave your slide show. I sent your autograph to my son-in-law who first introduced me to your columns. But - I just realized I have not gotten any new articles since last fall. Have you gone south to avoid the current icebox in the Mohawk Valley? If you have, I don't blame you - this is ridiculous. BM
Every once in awhile an email address gets
lost from my list. The best way to be sure you get the weekly additions
is to bookmark the Title Page. Then each week call it up and scroll to
the bottom of the page for direct links to the latest additions.
I stumbled across your cyber-manuscript "Mohawk - Discovering the Valley of the Crystals" while checking a reference to Steele Creek in an O-D article. But what really caught my interest was your chapter on Nine Mile Creek. Our farm fronts on Steuben Road in Deerfield, and embraces that portion of the Nine Mile just west of the county line. I grew up in Holland Patent and one reason we bought this property was the presence of the Nine Mile, which had been a source of summer pleasure in my youth. The creek still serves to link members of my family; my mother resides in Holland Patent and one sister now lives near that blue steel deck bridge east of Ritchie Road. My wife and I like to think of ourselves as stewards of the headwaters, and we would welcome the opportunity to explore our portion with a local expert such as yourself. . . and it might provide you with some additional material. Please get back to us when the spring floods recede. JB
I would be honored to join you on your stretch
of Nine Mile Creek.
As of January 18, 2003