Places

The Muskrat

If there was one animal that everyone on the island admired, it was the muskrat.

Volume 17, Issue 5, May 2022
Manley L. Rusho

Remembering Atlantic Convoy Sailor Fletcher Raymond Wade

Speaking softly, Ray Wade points out that he made 56 trips in convoys to Britain, eventually working his way up to second mate status. Wade also remembers that first convoy, that first trip, heading out into the North Atlantic Ocean. With who knew what waiting for them . . .

Volume 17, Issue 5, May 2022
Brian Johnson

The National Environmental Policy Act

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on 1 January 1970. It’s one of the shortest laws in the US – a total of six pages. It’s short, sweet, and to the point.

Volume 17, Issue 5, May 2022
Elspeth Naismith

Island Winter

People who hear that I spent my winter on an island in upstate New York typically have one of three responses. They're envious; they couldn't do it because they'd feel lonely; or ask, with dismissive incredulity, “Why would you freeze your ass off wintering in the Thousand Islands?”

Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2022
Glenn Sandiford

Agreement Reached to Protect Blind Bay; TILT to Conserve Critical River Habitat

(Clayton, NY) Wednesday, April 13 – The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) today announced that it has reached an agreement with Blind Bay Associates LLC to acquire the 295 feet of undeveloped waterfront and adjacent 20 plus acres of upland in Blind Bay.

Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2022
Jake Tibbles

Watch "The River, Living the St. Lawrence! from WPBS"

Did you see the PBS Series "The River, Living the St. Lawrence?" All six episodes are here to watch, including one with me - Susie! (For sure it was a honor to be part of this project)

Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2022
Susan W. Smith

Clayton's 150th: Clayton's Opera House

There will be more than 80 events scheduled in 2022 that include both TIPAF events and rentals – yes, right here in the Clayton Opera House - but what is its history? The cornerstone was laid in 1903 . . .

Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2022
Julie Garnsey

Childhood Memories of Bullhead Fishing

A bullhead is a primitive looking fish, armed with fins that are capped with very sharp horns, one on each side on top of the head. Fishing for bullheads is a ritual, an almost sacred ceremony.

Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2022
Manley L. Rusho

Team Rubicon: Soooo . . . what did you do for Christmas?

Me? Well, four days after we arrived back in California, I was deployed with Team Rubicon, so I grabbed my GO bag and headed to the airport. I joined a flood recovery strike team to conduct an emergency disaster response operation in Sumas, Washington.

Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2022
Michael Laprade

Projected Seaway Season 2022

What about the 2022 season? That depends on what is happening in Ukraine. Think grain and more grain.

Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2022
Cary R. Brick

Early Navigation on the Chaumont River, Depauville

To look at the shallow and winding six-mile Chaumont River, running between Chaumont and Depauville, NY, it’s hard to believe that this stream was once navigated by steamboats and even by a sizable schooner.

Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2022
Richard Palmer

Memories of a Spring Duck Hunt

This was 1944, so even shot gun shells were rationed because of WWII, and there were no choices in the store as to size or brand. When we needed supplies, we would travel to Clayton and visit Nunn’s Hardware Store.

Volume 17, Issue 3, March 2022
Manley L. Rusho

Potholes, Kettles, and Ponds, Oh My!

It started out as a matter of curiosity. But it ended up being an adventure. Ever since the creation of the McFarlane hiking trail, we have enjoyed an occasional hike around the field within sight of the fascinating and historic Zenda Farms.

Volume 17, Issue 3, March 2022
Patty Mondore

Rock Island Lighthouse, Part II

William (Bill) Johnston has a storied history in the Thousand Islands, and it is sometimes difficult to separate the man from the legend – or from the mythologized “pirate” celebrated at the annual Alexandria Bay “Bill Johnston Pirate Days” festival.

Volume 17, Issue 3, March 2022
Mary Alice Snetsinger

Discovering History through Social Media

One of the project highlights is the 1000 Islands History Museum’s social media program is featuring old photographs from the Civic Collection

Volume 17, Issue 3, March 2022
Zane Smith

Excursions with my Cliffe Craft

. . . And don’t forget – boats are really just “floating logs” to get you somewhere, in a certain fashion, and with a song in your heart!

Volume 17, Issue 3, March 2022
Marc Benoit

Clayton's 150th: The Life of Simon G. Johnston

The Life of Simon G. Johnston - Shipbuilding was the major industry and largest employer in Clayton, NY, from the early 19th century to well into the 20th century. . .

Volume 17, Issue 3, March 2022
Richard Palmer

The Ice Harvest

Before electric power was expanded into the Thousand Islands, there was a small, but brutal business called ice harvesting. Basically, it consisted of cutting large chunks of ice from the frozen St. Lawrence River . . .

Volume 17, Issue 2, February 2022
Manley L. Rusho