History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 109: Schenectady — A Brief Social Study of an Industrial City, continued ...
By Charles M. Ripley, E. E.
Parks
Besides these 37 playgrounds, open winter and summer, there are seven parks comprising 232 acres.
Every summer there are free movies and band concerts in the parks.
It has been found that free ice cream for the children is cheaper than fireworks on the 4th of July.
A stadium and artificial lake were built by the Unemployment Committee in one of the parks four years ago — paid for partly by voluntary contributions and partly by bond issue.
All the work was done by the unemployed.
The building contractors, hardware dealers and other business men donated the necessary materials and tools, so that all the money appropriated and donated went to the payroll to help relieve the unemployment situation.
Summer Sports
Two artificial lakes have been constructed in different parks, which, in addition to the Mohawk River, give ample opportunity for the health giving sport and exercise in swimming.
The lake water is analyzed every Friday by Dr. Warren B. Stone, the City Bacteriologist, and to keep it pure a million and a quarter gallons of fresh city drinking water is pumped in every night between 10 p. m. and 6 a. m.
The swimming in Iroquois Lake in Central Park is supervised by the Bureau of Parks which furnishes four city-paid instructors, all being Red Cross Life Saving experts.
They devote their entire time in the summer teaching young folks swimming and life saving.
The Red Cross maintains a patrol along the river manned by Red Cross Life Saving experts.
The 33 shower baths installed in the parks with hot and cold water are much patronized by visitors, especially those using the 31 municipal tennis courts.
Winter Sports
Indoors at the swimming pools in different public schools, city-paid instructors who are members of the Red Cross Life Saving Corps, teach boys and girls to swim.
Members of this same corps conduct weekly meetings in the pool of one of the city schools at which instruction in life saving methods are given.
The park lakes and the river freeze over in the winter and ice carnivals are conducted with skating races, skiing contests, etc., where fancy skaters of world-wide reputation perform before audiences as large as 12,000 people.
One of the reasons why so much public recreation has been carried on is that the Director of Public Recreation and the Superintendent of Parks and Playgrounds are two positions filled by the same individual.
This prevents the division of responsibility, and the handicapping of recreation by departmental red tape.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 109: Schenectady — A Brief Social Study of an Industrial City, continued ...
By Charles M. Ripley, E. E.
Automobile Traffic
The city planners found that in two years the number of pleasure cars in Schenectady had increased 78 per cent.
There were almost 17,000 auto licenses sold in 1923 and our allotment was 19,525 in 1924.
Schenectady has more automobiles than Russia, Norway, Poland, Austria, Holland, Chile, Portugal or Czecho-slovakia.
Schenectady has nearly twice as many automobiles as Japan, China, Porto Rico or Roumania; and nearly three times as many autos as Egypt, Ceylon, Indo-China or Venezuela, and nearly five times as many as Greece, Hungary, Turkey, or Morocco; and eight times as many as Syria, Panama, Jugo-Slovakia, Columbia or Siam.
There are 93 countries, nations or kingdoms in the world that haven't as many autos as Schenectady.
In fact, we even have more automobiles than telephone subscribers — possibly more than telephone instruments.
The 19,000 automobilists in 1924 are looking forward to the completion of the beautiful new Erie boulevard.
This is now being constructed as a new cross-town thoroughfare on the land formerly occupied by the old Erie Canal — in former days an unsightly stream as well as an obstruction to city traffic.
The new concrete Great Western Gateway is nearing completion and will be our third vehicular bridge over the Mohawk.
And, on the river bank, close to the bridge head, the new million dollar VanCurler Hotel will soon be finished.
The guests will command a superb view up the Mohawk Valley, with its 1300 foot grassy slopes, so characteristic of the hills of upstate New York.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 109: Schenectady — A Brief Social Study of an Industrial City, continued ...
By Charles M. Ripley, E. E.
Automobile Traffic
The city planners found that in two years the number of pleasure cars in Schenectady had increased 78 per cent.
There were almost 17,000 auto licenses sold in 1923 and our allotment was 19,525 in 1924.
Schenectady has more automobiles than Russia, Norway, Poland, Austria, Holland, Chile, Portugal or Czecho-slovakia.
Schenectady has nearly twice as many automobiles as Japan, China, Porto Rico or Roumania; and nearly three times as many autos as Egypt, Ceylon, Indo-China or Venezuela, and nearly five times as many as Greece, Hungary, Turkey, or Morocco; and eight times as many as Syria, Panama, Jugo-Slovakia, Columbia or Siam.
There are 93 countries, nations or kingdoms in the world that haven't as many autos as Schenectady.
In fact, we even have more automobiles than telephone subscribers — possibly more than telephone instruments.
The 19,000 automobilists in 1924 are looking forward to the completion of the beautiful new Erie boulevard.
This is now being constructed as a new cross-town thoroughfare on the land formerly occupied by the old Erie Canal — in former days an unsightly stream as well as an obstruction to city traffic.
The new concrete Great Western Gateway is nearing completion and will be our third vehicular bridge over the Mohawk.
And, on the river bank, close to the bridge head, the new million dollar VanCurler Hotel will soon be finished.
The guests will command a superb view up the Mohawk Valley, with its 1300 foot grassy slopes, so characteristic of the hills of upstate New York.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 109: Schenectady — A Brief Social Study of an Industrial City, concluded ...
By Charles M. Ripley, E. E.
City Improvements
A City Planning Commission has been appointed by the mayor and already Mr. Harland Bartholomew — an expert — has been engaged.
New and wider streets are an important feature in the attractive and orderly development of a city; and our progressive elements are working with the Commission and the expert, to provide these new and better streets, as well as to connect up our various parks with a boulevard system.
Union College
The Schenectady youth who seeks a higher education may take advantage of the excellent facilities afforded by Union College for training along collegiate lines.
The accessibility of the college to all parts of the city enables the student of limited means to live at home while engaged in his studies.
For the ambitious young man desiring to continue his education, but who must be occupied during the day, night classes are held at the college.
The popularity of these classes is evidenced by the large enrollment each year.
Churches
The Schenectady clergymen address the largest congregations the world has known, for each Sunday a complete church service is broadcast from a different Schenectady church by the General Electric Company's Radio Broadcasting Station, WGY.
Not only is the sermon sent out by wireless, but also the choir and organ music, responsive reading, prayer and congregational singing.
In addition, an afternoon vesper service is broadcast at 4:30 o'clock.
Thus those in the country and in the city can obtain spiritual guidance; and for those sick at home or in hospitals, or otherwise unable to attend divine worship, the sad hours are quickly turned to minutes by bringing the church to their very bedside.
Conclusion
We are glad to have had this opportunity of taking you on this inspection trip to our city, and we hope you will personally visit us.
Automobilists are granted free camping privileges in the parks, with undreamed of facilities.
On your vacation, or at any other time motor over to Schenectady and see the city that lights and hauls the world and furnishes it with radio.
Here live the men that put the fire in amplifier.
Camp in the city tents in our parks, play tennis on some of the tennis courts which are provided, take a shower bath with hot or cold water or a swim in the lake — and your little boy and girl should learn to swim with the safe and speedy Schenectady stroke.
Replacing the bed of the old Erie Canal in Schenectady is Erie Boulevard, regarded in our city as one of its most notable public improvements of recent years.
It is wide and roomy and was recently the scene of a large industrial exposition which was attended by thousands of visitors from outside the city.
The following were the leading manufacturing and industrial enterprises of Schenectady in 1925, employing a total of from 25,000 to 30,000 employes: Dynamos, motors, electrical equipment, mattresses, lumber products, medical products, locomotives, plumbing supplies, radio parts, city directories, maps, paper boxes, printing, cigars, insulations, building stone, novelties, collars, cuffs, shirts, baseballs, fire works, soft drinks, monuments, tile flooring, pulleys and gasoline engines, bread, varnish, building blocks, cement blocks, awnings, aprons, book bindery, wall plaster, brooms and brushes, porcelain insulators, ice cream, knit gloves, furniture, manufacturing and assembling of girders and beams, silk underwear, bricks, automobile accessories, electric signs.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 109: Schenectady — A Brief Social Study of an Industrial City, concluded ...
By Charles M. Ripley, E. E.
City Improvements
A City Planning Commission has been appointed by the mayor and already Mr. Harland Bartholomew — an expert — has been engaged.
New and wider streets are an important feature in the attractive and orderly development of a city; and our progressive elements are working with the Commission and the expert, to provide these new and better streets, as well as to connect up our various parks with a boulevard system.
Union College
The Schenectady youth who seeks a higher education may take advantage of the excellent facilities afforded by Union College for training along collegiate lines.
The accessibility of the college to all parts of the city enables the student of limited means to live at home while engaged in his studies.
For the ambitious young man desiring to continue his education, but who must be occupied during the day, night classes are held at the college.
The popularity of these classes is evidenced by the large enrollment each year.
Churches
The Schenectady clergymen address the largest congregations the world has known, for each Sunday a complete church service is broadcast from a different Schenectady church by the General Electric Company's Radio Broadcasting Station, WGY.
Not only is the sermon sent out by wireless, but also the choir and organ music, responsive reading, prayer and congregational singing.
In addition, an afternoon vesper service is broadcast at 4:30 o'clock.
Thus those in the country and in the city can obtain spiritual guidance; and for those sick at home or in hospitals, or otherwise unable to attend divine worship, the sad hours are quickly turned to minutes by bringing the church to their very bedside.
Conclusion
We are glad to have had this opportunity of taking you on this inspection trip to our city, and we hope you will personally visit us.
Automobilists are granted free camping privileges in the parks, with undreamed of facilities.
On your vacation, or at any other time motor over to Schenectady and see the city that lights and hauls the world and furnishes it with radio.
Here live the men that put the fire in amplifier.
Camp in the city tents in our parks, play tennis on some of the tennis courts which are provided, take a shower bath with hot or cold water or a swim in the lake — and your little boy and girl should learn to swim with the safe and speedy Schenectady stroke.
Replacing the bed of the old Erie Canal in Schenectady is Erie Boulevard, regarded in our city as one of its most notable public improvements of recent years.
It is wide and roomy and was recently the scene of a large industrial exposition which was attended by thousands of visitors from outside the city.
The following were the leading manufacturing and industrial enterprises of Schenectady in 1925, employing a total of from 25,000 to 30,000 employes: Dynamos, motors, electrical equipment, mattresses, lumber products, medical products, locomotives, plumbing supplies, radio parts, city directories, maps, paper boxes, printing, cigars, insulations, building stone, novelties, collars, cuffs, shirts, baseballs, fire works, soft drinks, monuments, tile flooring, pulleys and gasoline engines, bread, varnish, building blocks, cement blocks, awnings, aprons, book bindery, wall plaster, brooms and brushes, porcelain insulators, ice cream, knit gloves, furniture, manufacturing and assembling of girders and beams, silk underwear, bricks, automobile accessories, electric signs.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 110: Schenectady a Touring Center.
Schenectady, at the eastern gateway to the west through the Mohawk Valley and the crossing of two famous highways — Strategically located amidst eastern mountain ranges — Wonderfully equipped park camp used by 6,000 motorists last year.
By Charles M. Ripley, E. E.
General Electric Company, Schenectady.
Motor campers, or camping motorists, whether they live north, east, south or west, are very likely to drive through Schenectady, N. Y., and when they do so, a welcome awaits them in Central Park, where in 1923, 6,000 people camped and enjoyed the facilities provided by the Park Department.
If you drive from the Great Lakes to Boston you pass through Schenectady — the eastern Mohawk Valley, "Gateway to the West."
Canadians who tour from Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa to New York and the New Jersey coast resorts, pass through Schenectady.
Therefore, this "Electrical Capital of the World" is at the crossing of the two great highways: (1) New York to Montreal, and, (2) Boston to Buffalo, by way of the Old Mohawk Turnpike, to the west.
It makes no difference whether you are going to cross the Green Mountains, over the Mohawk Trail, or cross the Berkshires, over Jacob's Ladder — Schenectady is on your route.
And if you are driving from the Great North Woods to Asbury Park or Atlantic City, from mountain to seashore, you have the opportunity of enjoying the hospitality of Schenectady parks, without driving a single mile out of your way.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 110: Schenectady a Touring Center.
Schenectady, at the eastern gateway to the west through the Mohawk Valley and the crossing of two famous highways — Strategically located amidst eastern mountain ranges — Wonderfully equipped park camp used by 6,000 motorists last year.
By Charles M. Ripley, E. E.
General Electric Company, Schenectady.
Motor campers, or camping motorists, whether they live north, east, south or west, are very likely to drive through Schenectady, N. Y., and when they do so, a welcome awaits them in Central Park, where in 1923, 6,000 people camped and enjoyed the facilities provided by the Park Department.
If you drive from the Great Lakes to Boston you pass through Schenectady — the eastern Mohawk Valley, "Gateway to the West."
Canadians who tour from Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa to New York and the New Jersey coast resorts, pass through Schenectady.
Therefore, this "Electrical Capital of the World" is at the crossing of the two great highways: (1) New York to Montreal, and, (2) Boston to Buffalo, by way of the Old Mohawk Turnpike, to the west.
It makes no difference whether you are going to cross the Green Mountains, over the Mohawk Trail, or cross the Berkshires, over Jacob's Ladder — Schenectady is on your route.
And if you are driving from the Great North Woods to Asbury Park or Atlantic City, from mountain to seashore, you have the opportunity of enjoying the hospitality of Schenectady parks, without driving a single mile out of your way.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 110: Schenectady a Touring Center, continued ...
Take, for instance, those who live in the middle west — say, Ohio (using air line distances), Columbus, Ohio, is 1,150 miles from Denver, Colorado, at the beginning of the Rocky Mountains, yet it is only 450 miles from Utica, N. Y. — lying on the southwest slope of the Adirondacks and Columbus, Ohio, is only 470 miles from the Catskills, and 530 miles from the Berkshires; while the Green Mountains of Vermont are only 550 miles away, and the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire, close to Maine and the Canadian border, are distant only 630 miles.
So five northeastern mountain ranges are comparatively close to the middle west and the motorist from the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys can reach these playgrounds of the east by an easy and pleasant ride of but three or four days.
And Schenectady is a good "base of operation" for the tourist, for it is practically the hub city.
It lies at the crossroads of the great highways which thread through the passes and the notches in these eastern mountain ranges.
And New York State's justly famous roads lead you to tempting trout streams, babbling brooks, waterfalls, huge dams, small sized cataracts and lakes by the thousand.
In New York State alone there are twelve hundred lakes, among them being the famous Fulton chain on the southwestern slopes of the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes amidst the grape growing district of New York State around Ithaca; and Watkins Glen, one of the greatest scenic spots in the east, is but a few miles from Ithaca, at the southern end of Cayuga Lake and the seat of Cornell University.
Au Sable Chasm, the little Yosemite of the east, lies on the eastern slope of the Adirondacks and Niagara Falls is but a few minutes spin from Buffalo.
Along the Hudson, the new Storm King Highway, West Point, lies on the eastern edge of the Catskills and Ashokan Dam and Reservoir which provide New York City with water, lie only nine miles inland from the Hudson River.
On the eastern slope of the Catskills, the Rip Van Winkle Trail and the Mohican Trail are near Catskill, N. Y.
Phoenicia lies in the heart of the Catskills, just south of the Kaaterskill Notch.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 110: Schenectady a Touring Center, continued ...
Take, for instance, those who live in the middle west — say, Ohio (using air line distances), Columbus, Ohio, is 1,150 miles from Denver, Colorado, at the beginning of the Rocky Mountains, yet it is only 450 miles from Utica, N. Y. — lying on the southwest slope of the Adirondacks and Columbus, Ohio, is only 470 miles from the Catskills, and 530 miles from the Berkshires; while the Green Mountains of Vermont are only 550 miles away, and the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire, close to Maine and the Canadian border, are distant only 630 miles.
So five northeastern mountain ranges are comparatively close to the middle west and the motorist from the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys can reach these playgrounds of the east by an easy and pleasant ride of but three or four days.
And Schenectady is a good "base of operation" for the tourist, for it is practically the hub city.
It lies at the crossroads of the great highways which thread through the passes and the notches in these eastern mountain ranges.
And New York State's justly famous roads lead you to tempting trout streams, babbling brooks, waterfalls, huge dams, small sized cataracts and lakes by the thousand.
In New York State alone there are twelve hundred lakes, among them being the famous Fulton chain on the southwestern slopes of the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes amidst the grape growing district of New York State around Ithaca; and Watkins Glen, one of the greatest scenic spots in the east, is but a few miles from Ithaca, at the southern end of Cayuga Lake and the seat of Cornell University.
Au Sable Chasm, the little Yosemite of the east, lies on the eastern slope of the Adirondacks and Niagara Falls is but a few minutes spin from Buffalo.
Along the Hudson, the new Storm King Highway, West Point, lies on the eastern edge of the Catskills and Ashokan Dam and Reservoir which provide New York City with water, lie only nine miles inland from the Hudson River.
On the eastern slope of the Catskills, the Rip Van Winkle Trail and the Mohican Trail are near Catskill, N. Y.
Phoenicia lies in the heart of the Catskills, just south of the Kaaterskill Notch.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 110: Schenectady a Touring Center, continued ...
From Schenectady the road to Schoharie opens a beautiful old-time section set amidst the steep and wild foothills of the Catskills, along the Schoharie River.
This famous route runs southward through the heart of the Catskills to Catskill on the Hudson and Kingston, while the road along the Cobleskill (a branch of the Schoharie) takes you to Oneonta and Binghamton.
Northward, from Schenectady, runs the famous old Indian trail to Ballston Spa, the birthplace of General Abner Doubleday, the inventor of the game of baseball; Saratoga, the place of the healing waters and of the site of one of America's famous race tracks; Lake George, most beautiful of America's lakes; to historic and picturesque Lake Champlain, and thence to the St. Lawrence, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec.
Westward, from Schenectady, runs the greatest automobile touring trunk line in the United States — the Old Mohawk Turnpike section of the New York, Boston and Albany to Buffalo highway.
Its ninety-five mile course through the Mohawk Valley affords a scenic tour of wonderful picturesque and historic interest.
The history of Schenectady and the Mohawk Turnpike are closely interwoven and the tourist, running westward from the city over this route, covers much of the ground originally settled by the hardy Holland Dutch pioneers of Schenectady.
Schenectady offers unusual facilities to motorists over the famous touring routes which run north, south, east and west from the Electric City.
In 1923, 6,000 people from 43 different states of the United States camped in Central Park, Schenectady.
The park itself covers several hundred acres and includes Iroquois Lake, eight acres in extent.
Campers are provided with police protection, eight iron army field stoves and eating tables and settees sufficient to accommodate 2,500 people.
There are available nine water faucets, twelve shower baths with dressing rooms and lockers, free bathing beach with bathing suits to rent if desired.
There are twenty-five canoes and twenty-five boats for rent at 25 cents per hour.
A trained registered Red Cross nurse and three swimming instructors are all on duty from 9 A. M. until 9 P. M.
Besides the "shoot the chutes" and two spring boards, there is complete playground apparatus.
In addition, there is a baseball diamond and ten tennis courts.
Besides the lake, there is a lagoon about a quarter of a mile long and also a casting platform where anglers can show their skill with rod and line.
Every Sunday afternoon, during July and August, there is a concert by one of the finest 28-piece orchestras in New York State.
Campers have available telephone and telegraph service.
There is also a grocery store in the park selling eggs, butter, bread, beans, sugar, tea, coffee, fresh milk, evaporated milk, candy, peanuts and other articles needed by campers and visitors.
The camping ground is illuminated with 14 lights by night, and by day is protected from the hot sun by a beautiful grove of elm trees.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 110: Schenectady a Touring Center, continued ...
From Schenectady the road to Schoharie opens a beautiful old-time section set amidst the steep and wild foothills of the Catskills, along the Schoharie River.
This famous route runs southward through the heart of the Catskills to Catskill on the Hudson and Kingston, while the road along the Cobleskill (a branch of the Schoharie) takes you to Oneonta and Binghamton.
Northward, from Schenectady, runs the famous old Indian trail to Ballston Spa, the birthplace of General Abner Doubleday, the inventor of the game of baseball; Saratoga, the place of the healing waters and of the site of one of America's famous race tracks; Lake George, most beautiful of America's lakes; to historic and picturesque Lake Champlain, and thence to the St. Lawrence, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec.
Westward, from Schenectady, runs the greatest automobile touring trunk line in the United States — the Old Mohawk Turnpike section of the New York, Boston and Albany to Buffalo highway.
Its ninety-five mile course through the Mohawk Valley affords a scenic tour of wonderful picturesque and historic interest.
The history of Schenectady and the Mohawk Turnpike are closely interwoven and the tourist, running westward from the city over this route, covers much of the ground originally settled by the hardy Holland Dutch pioneers of Schenectady.
Schenectady offers unusual facilities to motorists over the famous touring routes which run north, south, east and west from the Electric City.
In 1923, 6,000 people from 43 different states of the United States camped in Central Park, Schenectady.
The park itself covers several hundred acres and includes Iroquois Lake, eight acres in extent.
Campers are provided with police protection, eight iron army field stoves and eating tables and settees sufficient to accommodate 2,500 people.
There are available nine water faucets, twelve shower baths with dressing rooms and lockers, free bathing beach with bathing suits to rent if desired.
There are twenty-five canoes and twenty-five boats for rent at 25 cents per hour.
A trained registered Red Cross nurse and three swimming instructors are all on duty from 9 A. M. until 9 P. M.
Besides the "shoot the chutes" and two spring boards, there is complete playground apparatus.
In addition, there is a baseball diamond and ten tennis courts.
Besides the lake, there is a lagoon about a quarter of a mile long and also a casting platform where anglers can show their skill with rod and line.
Every Sunday afternoon, during July and August, there is a concert by one of the finest 28-piece orchestras in New York State.
Campers have available telephone and telegraph service.
There is also a grocery store in the park selling eggs, butter, bread, beans, sugar, tea, coffee, fresh milk, evaporated milk, candy, peanuts and other articles needed by campers and visitors.
The camping ground is illuminated with 14 lights by night, and by day is protected from the hot sun by a beautiful grove of elm trees.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 110: Schenectady a Touring Center, concluded ...
In 1924, a new $25,000 Casino was finished with roof garden equipped with picnic tables.
Dressing rooms for those using the twelve shower baths, a baby welfare station in charge of a trained Red Cross nurse, and a playroom for the kiddies, and other facilities are offered by the Casino.
Last year a party of Canadians camped at Central Park on Christmas Eve and proceeded on south to Atlantic City.
Tourist campers in Central Park, Schenectady, N. Y., April 15th to October 1, 1923: State and number of campers: Maine, 41; Vermont, 23; New Hampshire, 54; Massachusetts, 512; Rhode Island, 98; Connecticut, 245; New York, 546; Pennsylvania, 201; New Jersey, 171; Delaware, 20; Virginia, 18; West Virginia, 16; Kentucky, 10; Florida, 49; Ohio, 424; California, 102; Wisconsin, 35; South Dakota, 1; Illinois, 302; Indiana, 127; Colorado, 25; Oklahoma, 3; Iowa, 84; Michigan, 245; Missouri, 29; Mississippi, 7; Texas, 35; Nebraska, 25; Alabama, 5; Arkansas, 17; Oregon, 6; North Carolina, 7; Maryland, 46; Louisiana, 4; Tennessee, 12; Minnesota, 70; Washington, 7; Wisconsin, 9; Kansas, 16; Georgia, 6; Washington, D. C., 57; total, for United States, 4,714.
From outside United States: London, Ont., Canada, 10; Toronto, 69; Ottawa, 11; Montreal, Quebec, 11; Hamilton, 2; Dunham Inn, 2; Sidney, Nova Scotia, 9; Vancouver, B. C., 2; Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, 3; Balboa Heights, Canal Zone, 2; Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa, 2; Lavrik, Norway, 5; total 128.
Grand total, 4,842.
The following table shows the air line distances of scenic spots and prominent cities from Schenectady: Place and air-line distance from Schenectady: Lake Placid, 110 miles; White Face Mountain, 115; Saranac Lake, 110; Mount Marcy, 90; Au Sable Chasm, 120; Lake George, 42; Bennington, Vt., 38; Manchester, Vt., 53; Rutland, Vt., 77; Indian Lake, 77; Speculator, 55; Keene, N. H., 87; White River Junction, N. H., 95; Mohican Trail, Catskill Mts., 40; Rip Van Winkle Trail, Catskill Mts., 41; Phoenicia, 55; Ashokan Dam, 59; Kingston, 62; Storm King Highway, 91; Watkins Glen, 150; Oneida Lake, 90; Boston, Mass., 155; Worcester, Mass., 120; Springfield, Mass., 87; Providence, R. I., 150; New London, Conn., 125; New Haven, Conn., 120; Bridgeport, Conn., 115; New York City, 150; Philadelphia, Pa., 215; Binghamton, N. Y., 120; Ithaca, N. Y., 132; Syracuse, N. Y., 125; Buffalo, N. Y., 262; Rochester, N. Y., 200; Montreal, Canada, 185; Mt. Washington, White Mountains. 170.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 110: Schenectady a Touring Center, concluded ...
In 1924, a new $25,000 Casino was finished with roof garden equipped with picnic tables.
Dressing rooms for those using the twelve shower baths, a baby welfare station in charge of a trained Red Cross nurse, and a playroom for the kiddies, and other facilities are offered by the Casino.
Last year a party of Canadians camped at Central Park on Christmas Eve and proceeded on south to Atlantic City.
Tourist campers in Central Park, Schenectady, N. Y., April 15th to October 1, 1923: State and number of campers: Maine, 41; Vermont, 23; New Hampshire, 54; Massachusetts, 512; Rhode Island, 98; Connecticut, 245; New York, 546; Pennsylvania, 201; New Jersey, 171; Delaware, 20; Virginia, 18; West Virginia, 16; Kentucky, 10; Florida, 49; Ohio, 424; California, 102; Wisconsin, 35; South Dakota, 1; Illinois, 302; Indiana, 127; Colorado, 25; Oklahoma, 3; Iowa, 84; Michigan, 245; Missouri, 29; Mississippi, 7; Texas, 35; Nebraska, 25; Alabama, 5; Arkansas, 17; Oregon, 6; North Carolina, 7; Maryland, 46; Louisiana, 4; Tennessee, 12; Minnesota, 70; Washington, 7; Wisconsin, 9; Kansas, 16; Georgia, 6; Washington, D. C., 57; total, for United States, 4,714.
From outside United States: London, Ont., Canada, 10; Toronto, 69; Ottawa, 11; Montreal, Quebec, 11; Hamilton, 2; Dunham Inn, 2; Sidney, Nova Scotia, 9; Vancouver, B. C., 2; Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, 3; Balboa Heights, Canal Zone, 2; Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa, 2; Lavrik, Norway, 5; total 128.
Grand total, 4,842.
The following table shows the air line distances of scenic spots and prominent cities from Schenectady: Place and air-line distance from Schenectady: Lake Placid, 110 miles; White Face Mountain, 115; Saranac Lake, 110; Mount Marcy, 90; Au Sable Chasm, 120; Lake George, 42; Bennington, Vt., 38; Manchester, Vt., 53; Rutland, Vt., 77; Indian Lake, 77; Speculator, 55; Keene, N. H., 87; White River Junction, N. H., 95; Mohican Trail, Catskill Mts., 40; Rip Van Winkle Trail, Catskill Mts., 41; Phoenicia, 55; Ashokan Dam, 59; Kingston, 62; Storm King Highway, 91; Watkins Glen, 150; Oneida Lake, 90; Boston, Mass., 155; Worcester, Mass., 120; Springfield, Mass., 87; Providence, R. I., 150; New London, Conn., 125; New Haven, Conn., 120; Bridgeport, Conn., 115; New York City, 150; Philadelphia, Pa., 215; Binghamton, N. Y., 120; Ithaca, N. Y., 132; Syracuse, N. Y., 125; Buffalo, N. Y., 262; Rochester, N. Y., 200; Montreal, Canada, 185; Mt. Washington, White Mountains. 170.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 111: The Great Western Gateway Bridge — Schenectady to Scotia.
By Capt. Ernest D. Hendricks, Eastern Division Engineer.
The plan for constructing a new bridge across the Mohawk River between the City of Schenectady and the village of Scotia originated first under the general plan for the Barge Canal improvement, the intention being to construct a bridge to take the place of the bridge known as the Glenville Bridge, which is the present (1925) bridge being used between the City of Schenectady and the Village of Scotia.
Under this plan $500,000 was set aside.
The necessity for constructing a new bridge was that the distances between the piers of the Glenville Bridge were too narrow for safe navigation and the clearance between the old bridge floor and the water surface was not sufficient.
Under the original plan the location of the new bridge was fixed approximately a short distance upstream from the old Glenville Bridge to proceed directly across the river approximately parallel to this bridge.
Before the State Engineer's Department had completed the preparation of plans for the new structure residents of Schenectady conceived the idea of having the State build the new structure half a mile further upstream and substituting for the modest but entirely adequate bridge as contemplated by the State Engineer's Department, an imposing structure consisting of numerous concrete arches.
Investigation was made to determine the character of the foundation at the new location.
These investigations disclosed the fact that for at least 100 feet below the ground and bed of the river the underlying material was an extremely fine sand of the nature of quicksand.
In 1917, the State Engineer was directed to make plans and specifications for the proposed bridge.
In 1919, a bill was again introduced in the Legislature, passed that body and was signed by the Governor.
Under this bill, the present structure is (1924) being built.
This bill fixed, not only the location of the bridge but its character, and made, subject to the approval of the City of Schenectady, the cost of the structure to be paid as follows: A small portion by the City and County of Schenectady and Village of Scotia; a sum set aside from Barge Canal moneys and an additional appropriation to be raised by the taxation of the State as a whole.
The location as fixed by this law stated that the bridge should extend from the junction of State Street and Washington Avenue in the City of Schenectady to a point in Mohawk Avenue in the Village of Scotia and is to extend as a direct continuation of State Street westerly to a point on an island in the Mohawk River, and from that point to extend in a straight line to Mohawk Avenue, 300 feet westerly of Shonowee Avenue and Mohawk Avenue in the Village of Scotia.
This location requires a sharp curve in the bridge for if the structure were continued in a straight line from State Street in Schenectady it would never reach the opposite side of the river but would eventually encounter the same banks from which it started some distance west of Schenectady.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 111: The Great Western Gateway Bridge — Schenectady to Scotia.
By Capt. Ernest D. Hendricks, Eastern Division Engineer.
The plan for constructing a new bridge across the Mohawk River between the City of Schenectady and the village of Scotia originated first under the general plan for the Barge Canal improvement, the intention being to construct a bridge to take the place of the bridge known as the Glenville Bridge, which is the present (1925) bridge being used between the City of Schenectady and the Village of Scotia.
Under this plan $500,000 was set aside.
The necessity for constructing a new bridge was that the distances between the piers of the Glenville Bridge were too narrow for safe navigation and the clearance between the old bridge floor and the water surface was not sufficient.
Under the original plan the location of the new bridge was fixed approximately a short distance upstream from the old Glenville Bridge to proceed directly across the river approximately parallel to this bridge.
Before the State Engineer's Department had completed the preparation of plans for the new structure residents of Schenectady conceived the idea of having the State build the new structure half a mile further upstream and substituting for the modest but entirely adequate bridge as contemplated by the State Engineer's Department, an imposing structure consisting of numerous concrete arches.
Investigation was made to determine the character of the foundation at the new location.
These investigations disclosed the fact that for at least 100 feet below the ground and bed of the river the underlying material was an extremely fine sand of the nature of quicksand.
In 1917, the State Engineer was directed to make plans and specifications for the proposed bridge.
In 1919, a bill was again introduced in the Legislature, passed that body and was signed by the Governor.
Under this bill, the present structure is (1924) being built.
This bill fixed, not only the location of the bridge but its character, and made, subject to the approval of the City of Schenectady, the cost of the structure to be paid as follows: A small portion by the City and County of Schenectady and Village of Scotia; a sum set aside from Barge Canal moneys and an additional appropriation to be raised by the taxation of the State as a whole.
The location as fixed by this law stated that the bridge should extend from the junction of State Street and Washington Avenue in the City of Schenectady to a point in Mohawk Avenue in the Village of Scotia and is to extend as a direct continuation of State Street westerly to a point on an island in the Mohawk River, and from that point to extend in a straight line to Mohawk Avenue, 300 feet westerly of Shonowee Avenue and Mohawk Avenue in the Village of Scotia.
This location requires a sharp curve in the bridge for if the structure were continued in a straight line from State Street in Schenectady it would never reach the opposite side of the river but would eventually encounter the same banks from which it started some distance west of Schenectady.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 111: The Great Western Gateway Bridge — Schenectady to Scotia, continued ...
By Capt. Ernest D. Hendricks, Eastern Division Engineer.
Immediately upon the signing of this law by the Governor, the Department of State Engineer and Surveyor made the surveys, prepared the maps and descriptions for obtaining the land necessary to construct the bridge.
At the same time, a series of borings were taken throughout the entire length of the bridge and at the location of each pier in order that plans for adequate foundations could be prepared.
Based upon this information the first contract was prepared for the approaches to the bridge.
This contract was advertised in July, 1919.
The contract, however, was not let until February 10, 1920, for $235,000, owing to the fact that the City of Schenectady had not made available its share of the money for the construction of the bridge.
The contractor for this work immediately proceeded to work and this contract has been completed for about three years.
The second contract was ready for letting on December 16, 1919.
This contract amounting to $962,000 was not let however until August, 1920, for the reason that owing to the great increase in the cost of labor and materials between the time when the first plans and specifications were prepared in 1917 and the letting of the contract in 1920, sufficient money had not been made available by the Legislature and an additional appropriation was necessary.
This contract was completed two years ago or at the close of 1922.
The bid price for this contract was $962,000.
However when the foundations for these piers were uncovered it was found that after driving test piles the material underlying some of the piers was more unstable than was estimated from the borings and it was necessary to increase the cost of this second contract to something over $1,000,000.
Before the third contract for the structure could be let, which was to include the arch ribs, sidewalks and roadway slabs, it was necessary to ask for additional money.
This was obtained in 1922 and the third contract was let on July 15, 1922, for $740,000.
Owing to the falling prices of labor and materials the third contract was let for considerably less than the Engineer's estimate.
The work under this contract is now progressing and will probably be completed about the first of June, 1925.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 111: The Great Western Gateway Bridge — Schenectady to Scotia, continued ...
By Capt. Ernest D. Hendricks, Eastern Division Engineer.
Immediately upon the signing of this law by the Governor, the Department of State Engineer and Surveyor made the surveys, prepared the maps and descriptions for obtaining the land necessary to construct the bridge.
At the same time, a series of borings were taken throughout the entire length of the bridge and at the location of each pier in order that plans for adequate foundations could be prepared.
Based upon this information the first contract was prepared for the approaches to the bridge.
This contract was advertised in July, 1919.
The contract, however, was not let until February 10, 1920, for $235,000, owing to the fact that the City of Schenectady had not made available its share of the money for the construction of the bridge.
The contractor for this work immediately proceeded to work and this contract has been completed for about three years.
The second contract was ready for letting on December 16, 1919.
This contract amounting to $962,000 was not let however until August, 1920, for the reason that owing to the great increase in the cost of labor and materials between the time when the first plans and specifications were prepared in 1917 and the letting of the contract in 1920, sufficient money had not been made available by the Legislature and an additional appropriation was necessary.
This contract was completed two years ago or at the close of 1922.
The bid price for this contract was $962,000.
However when the foundations for these piers were uncovered it was found that after driving test piles the material underlying some of the piers was more unstable than was estimated from the borings and it was necessary to increase the cost of this second contract to something over $1,000,000.
Before the third contract for the structure could be let, which was to include the arch ribs, sidewalks and roadway slabs, it was necessary to ask for additional money.
This was obtained in 1922 and the third contract was let on July 15, 1922, for $740,000.
Owing to the falling prices of labor and materials the third contract was let for considerably less than the Engineer's estimate.
The work under this contract is now progressing and will probably be completed about the first of June, 1925.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 111: The Great Western Gateway Bridge — Schenectady to Scotia, continued ...
By Capt. Ernest D. Hendricks, Eastern Division Engineer.
In the meanwhile the fourth contract has been prepared and is ready to be advertised for paving and lighting the bridge and for the Schenectady and Scotia approaches, it having been impossible to complete the Scotia approach as this approach will cross the main Mohawk Valley turnpike and, until the remainder of the bridge is ready for traffic it is not practicable to block the main east and west highway.
The present structure when completed will be about three-fourths of a mile in length.
It will consist of massive abutments on both the Schenectady and Scotia sides of the river with a wide boulevard approach on the Schenectady side and a circle on the Scotia side into which will enter six roadways.
The bridge itself consists of twenty-three reinforced concrete spans varying in length from 106 to 122 feet and a main channel span of steel, covered with concrete, of 212 feet.
This latter channel span is the only change that has been made in the original law.
It was necessary to make the main channel span of lighter construction masonry, owing to the unstable nature of the foundation of the piers.
The main channel span will be the highest point in the bridge and crosses the Barge Canal channel.
The bridge floor at this point is over sixty feet above the water surface in the river.
The bridge when finally completed will be the most imposing structure in the State crossing the canal.
The bridge itself will be of sufficient width, for two interurban trolley tracks with ample width between tracks and curbs for highway traffic, and wide sidewalks.
There will be an ornamental balustrade on both sides of the bridge throughout its whole length with adequate lighting facilities.
Considerable attention has been given to the aesthetic features so that the structure would be well proportioned architecturally.
The strength of the structure will be ample for any possible present loads and probably for any possible highway loads in the distant future.
In spite of the treacherous nature of the foundation there is no question in the minds of the engineers who have been responsible for the design and construction of this structure that there will ever be any settlement or failure of these foundations.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 111: The Great Western Gateway Bridge — Schenectady to Scotia, continued ...
By Capt. Ernest D. Hendricks, Eastern Division Engineer.
In the meanwhile the fourth contract has been prepared and is ready to be advertised for paving and lighting the bridge and for the Schenectady and Scotia approaches, it having been impossible to complete the Scotia approach as this approach will cross the main Mohawk Valley turnpike and, until the remainder of the bridge is ready for traffic it is not practicable to block the main east and west highway.
The present structure when completed will be about three-fourths of a mile in length.
It will consist of massive abutments on both the Schenectady and Scotia sides of the river with a wide boulevard approach on the Schenectady side and a circle on the Scotia side into which will enter six roadways.
The bridge itself consists of twenty-three reinforced concrete spans varying in length from 106 to 122 feet and a main channel span of steel, covered with concrete, of 212 feet.
This latter channel span is the only change that has been made in the original law.
It was necessary to make the main channel span of lighter construction masonry, owing to the unstable nature of the foundation of the piers.
The main channel span will be the highest point in the bridge and crosses the Barge Canal channel.
The bridge floor at this point is over sixty feet above the water surface in the river.
The bridge when finally completed will be the most imposing structure in the State crossing the canal.
The bridge itself will be of sufficient width, for two interurban trolley tracks with ample width between tracks and curbs for highway traffic, and wide sidewalks.
There will be an ornamental balustrade on both sides of the bridge throughout its whole length with adequate lighting facilities.
Considerable attention has been given to the aesthetic features so that the structure would be well proportioned architecturally.
The strength of the structure will be ample for any possible present loads and probably for any possible highway loads in the distant future.
In spite of the treacherous nature of the foundation there is no question in the minds of the engineers who have been responsible for the design and construction of this structure that there will ever be any settlement or failure of these foundations.
TO BE CONTINUED ...