Tourism has always been central to the economy of Saranac Lake. From the mid 19th century to the early-mid 20th century, many wealthy people came from Manhattan and elsewhere to stay in the grand hotels and great camps of Saranac Lake. Pictured here are unknown hotel proprietors, the local men who owned and ran the […]
A serene view of Saranac Lake from the Hotel Ampersand boat house. After opening in 1888, the Ampersand Hotel was a mainstay in Saranac Lake. A review in the New York Times (June 11 1893) writes, “This beautiful spot, with its peaceful waters, gentle, undulating vales, emerald forests, and surrounding lofty, pine-clad mountains, was never […]
Deliverymen with an Adirondack Bottling Works truck. The bottling works, founded before 1895, claimed to be the largest bottling works in the North Country. Sold as sotrage in 1931, the buildings were destroyed by fire in 1958. Circa early 1900s. Saranac Lake, NY. Courtesy of the Saranac Lake Free Library.
A bartender entertains two women. Circa 1940. Saranac Lake, NY. Courtesy of the Saranac Lake Free Library.
A horse and buggy outside the Ampersand Hotel. After opening in 1888, the Ampersand was a mainstay in Saranac Lake. A review in the New York Times (June 11 1893) writes, “This beautiful spot, with its peaceful waters, gentle, undulating vales, emerald forests, and surrounding lofty, pine-clad mountains, was never lovelier than now.” Each season, […]
Four men in front of the J.A. Latour Company, which sold coal, ice, wood, and had a livery business. The man second from right is Tuffield Latour, original owner of the businesses. He used his son’s name, James when he started them. Saranac Lake, NY.
Don Witherwax’s Floating Grocery delivered groceries by pontoon boat to campers on the lower Saranac lakes. Circa 1966. Saranac Lake, NY. Originally printed in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise on August 11, 1966. Courtesy of Historic Saranac Lake.
Barr’s Delicatessen Store and F.M. Bull’s Drug Store at 18 Main Street. Circa 1895. Saranac Lake, NY. Courtesy of Historic Saranac Lake.
The Meadowbrook farm crew. Meadowbrook farm was founded as a model dairy, demonstrating the latest hygienic standards for milk production. Its barn is now the clubhouse of the Saranac Lake Golf Club in Ray Brook. Circa 1900-1910. Ray Brook, NY. Courtesy of Historic Saranac Lake.
The Riverside Inn, first named Blood’s Hotel. Opened in 1860 and torn down in the 1930s. Very popular for its dances and balls. A brass band performs in front of the hotel. Circa 1900. Saranac Lake, NY. Courtesy of Historic Saranac Lake.
