Schenectady Stockade

Schenectady Stockade

September 2015

 

          The Stockade area of Schenectady, along the Mohawk River, has been continuously inhabited for over 300 years, beginning with Dutch settlers. It was the site of the Schenectady Massacre of 1690 by a raiding party of French & Indians. The area contains some 40 pre-revolutionary houses, some dating back to the 17thC. Named as New York State’s 1^st Historic District, the National Park Service has described the Stockade as “the highest concentration of historic period homes in the country.” Marjorie & I have participated in two annual events: the Stockade Villagers’ Outdoor Art Show and the Walkabout. The former attracts artists from thruout the northeast, spread along several streets in the district radiating from a central circle. The latter opens up a number of the houses for tours. Most of the photos here are from the 64^th Annual Art Show and subsequent 55^th Annual Walkabout in 2015.

 

          Marjorie first exhibited in the Art Show in 2011, joining her artistic mentor, Betty Bumgarner. The Stockade was hit by Hurricane Irene a week before that show. The Mohawk crested over its banks some 14’, well up the streets leading from the river to within about ½-block from the art show area. Thankfully, the river was back in its banks by the weekend of the show. That first year was somewhat thrown together, showing M’s artwork on some lattice frameworks I was able to cobble together. But she was so excited to receive an “Honorable Mention” ribbon from the judges; and was told that many artists have exhibited at the show for years without receiving any such recognition! 

Over the years, we’ve managed to put together a more “professional” look, with a canopy to protect against the weather and sturdier lattice frameworks.

          After participating in the Stockade, Marjorie has also exhibited at the Pruyn House “Old Fashioned Sunday” with friends from the Colonie Art League.

          The Art Show & Walkabout offer many lovely views: pretty streets radiate from a central circle, 

views along the Mohawk, 

many beautiful doors & porches decorated for fall, 

some beautiful interiors, backyards, and historical exhibits, 

and costumed guides. 

Also lovely churches: St. George’s Episcopal,

First Reformed, 

and First Presbyterian. 

And an atmospheric old cemetery.

Other places we've visited near Albany have included the Old Stone Fort in Schoharie

 and Thacher Park