This history of the neighborhood plays a vital part in the identity of its residents. If you have lived in the neighborhood for many years, the neighborhood history is a heartfelt reminder of days gone by. If you have just come to call the neighborhood home, it is a way to learn more about the new community you have joined. We would love nothing more than to be able to share the history of neighborhood name with all who reside there. If you are interested in writing a brief history of the neighborhood to share with the community, please contact us! |
- Knox & Berne HistoryBerne, settled in 1750, was a central meeting place for farmers. In 1822, North Berne was renamed Knox, after General Henry Knox, George Washington's Secretary of War. The Knox/Berne area was knows for making small wooden boxes used by drug companies to hold pills.
- Village of Voorheesville HistoryThe village of Voorheesville is named after a railroad attorney, Alonzo B. Voorhees. In 1864, two railroads were built through the town of New Scotland, headed west from the Hudson River, both trying to find a way around the Helderberg Mountains. The Albany and Susquehanna line and the New York, West Shore and Buffalo railroads crossed one another in a farm field. Subsequently a village grew up around the crossroad and in 1899 the village of Voorheesville was incorporated.
- Interesting History about the village of AltamontThe area was known as Hellerburgh in the early 1700s. In the early 1800s Knowersville was established in the rural part of Albany county just below the Helderberg Mountains. This settlement eventually became known as Altamont.
Altamont was a summer vacation spot that was reached by train. And, the Altamont Fair has been held annually at the local fairgrounds since 1893.
-
Altamont Train StationThe Altamont Free Library has purchased the Altamont Train Station, to be it's next 'home.' Here is some interesting historical information on the train station.
The first passenger train passed through Altamont in 1863. The building served as both a combination passenger and freight station. As the Village grew, summer visitors used the railroad to visit Altamont Hotels and lakeside boarding houses on the mountain. After a century of service, the last passenger train passed through Altamont on January 24, 1963. The historic building is listed on the registry of historical buildings.
- History of the Town of GuilderlandThe Town of Guilderland became incorporated by an act of legislation on February 26, 1803. first town meeting was held at the Appel Inn in Guilderland Center on April 5, 1803.
In the early 1900's, the western end of Guilderland remained mostly rural.~ The eastern end of town began to develop into a residential and commercial suburb. By the end of the 1900's, shopping malls, apartment complexes, business centers and a State University had changed the landscape. This area has seen rapid development over the last 100 years, and continues to transform.
-
Staghorn Valley AlpacasStaghorn Valley Alpacas is located on Serendipity Farm in Delanson. It is run by Judy Phaff and Jerry Wesigrau. Information regarding the farm can be found on the business page of this website. However, the history of the Alpaca is very important and interesting too:
An Alpaca, a native of South America, is a smaller cousin of the llama, with an adult weighing between 100 and 175 lbs. They are gentle, loveable creatures who are shy, but very curious. They have padded feet, two toes and no hooves. There are two types of Alpacas - the Huacaya, which has a thick dense fiber while the Suri has fleece that hangs down in long strands. They are classified into 22 different colors. They usually live 20-25 years.
Visit Staghorn Valley Alpacas - the owners welcome your interest in the farm and their lifestyle. Visitors are encouraged and children are always welcome.
Website:www.staghornvalley.com - Altamont MuseumThe Altamont Museum can be found in the Village Hall. Recently, microfilm of the village newspaper, The Altamont Enterprise, was made available for those interested to view. It contains articles from 1884 to 1923. The museum is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
