Shays Settlement in Vermont: A Story of Revolt and Archaeology
by Steve Butz
I've wandered the border hills for many years. I've heard Steve talk about what he and his students have been finding up on Egg Mountain. Now I'm looking forward to reading his book about Shays and a bit of lost history.
Untold Stories of the Battenkill
by Elizabeth and Barton Conkey
If you grew up in Greenwich, you grew up with memories of the Battenkill. Lucky for us, Betsy share's her memories in this coffee table book of art, photos, oral histories and stories.
Teaching Trout to Talk: the zen of small stream fly fishing
by Stuart Bartow
Bartow knows and loves the Battenkill. He's a poet, author, educator and passionate advocate for his hometown stream. He also likes to wet a line on occasion. A mid-winter reminder of how wonderful clear running water is.
Images of America
There must be thousands of volumes in Arcadia's Images of America series. They feature old photos with accompanying text by local historians. There are several focused on Washington County and many more of surrounding areas: Lake George, Vermont and Saratoga. Fun to see what's the same and what has changed.
A Guide to Architecture in the Adirondacks
by Richard Longstreth
One of the joys of wandering Washington County is the beautiful (sometimes bizarre and even ghastly) architecture you come across. This book looks like it would be a fun and informative companion on road trips in the Adirondacks.
In the Bleak Midwinter
by Julia Spencer-Fleming
This 2002 murder mystery was the first in a series that now numbers seven or eight novels. It's set in the upstate community of Millers Kill, and features Clare - Episcopal priest/tough cookie and Russ - the Chief of Police. The author lives in Maine but I have a sense that she has a Washington County connection. Can anyone fill me in?
The Harrows of Spring
by James Howard Kunstler
The fourth and final volume in the authors World Made by Hand series. They're set in the disrupted future but feel like tales out of the past. Recognizable locales add to the appeal.
There you have my chosen company for this years reading season. Cat and dog are optional but highly recommended.
Julia Spencer Fleming ("The Bleak Midwinter") has Argyle roots. Her maternal grandparents were long-time antique dealers at the top of the small hill on Rte 197 as you head out of the village toward Fort Edward. She also has roots to other Argyle families. When she was a kid, and her mom was living in Argyle, Julia spent a lot of afternoons at the Free Library on Sheridan Street where my mom was librarian for a number of years. Sounds like a good start to an eventual writing career.
ReplyDelete..Oh, and Julia made a namesake of my dad one of the minor recurring characters in her Millers Kill-Cossayoharie mystery books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info Mike. Crandall Library has her book so I'll be reading it sometime during the bleak midwinter - It was -20 last night!
DeleteCrandall visit is always a good idea Don. I was back in the Argyle/Fort Edward area visiting my mom with wife and oldest daughter for the 30th through the 3rd. You were much better than I at getting out to Hudson's crossing on New Years (enjoyed the photos!). My one foray out was for a short walk along Beach Road in Lake George by the steamboats on the 2nd. Retreated to the Happy Hour at the Log Jam shortly afterwards while my wife shopped at the nearby outlet mall. Lots of car rides extending from Whitehall/North Granville (Rathbuns) to Wilton and Glens Falls, and Albany Airport - just not much hoofing outside (although, if on my own I might have done a lot more). As always, I enjoy your accounts of your local travels and connections.
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