Second Look: A paper's history of Northern New York

What didn't happen in 1969?

ANNOUNCEMENT: Our special 1969 tabloid is here! You can read all about what happened in the north country, the nation and the world 50 years ago. In this episode, Kelly Burdick and Christina Knott talk about putting this publication together and what you can find when you pick up your own copy. In addition, we chat about what we learned by studying this year in close detail and why we think 1969 is one of the busiest years in history. Listen and grab your own copy of "1969: From the nort...

What are the stories at Colesante's Tavern?

Colesante's Tavern has been a Watertown staple since it opened in 1933, the same year Prohibition ended.  Join Kelly Burdick and Christina Knott as we talk to George Colesante, the second-generation owner of the bar, has been there for almost all of it. He started out working for his father before he took over the bar himself. George is a collector of objects, and as we found out, also a collector of great stories. Listen in as he shares stories of life behind the bar and the many thing...

Did the Jets help spark football fever in the north country 50 years ago?

On today's episode, Christina Knott and Kelly Burdick dive into a bit of sports history with the help of Matt Underwood and Dennis O'Brien. We talk about the 1969 Super Bowl win for the Jets, the Joe Nameth "Guarantee" and the exciting return of Watertown's own Red and Black, the oldest semi-pro football team in the United States.  Credits: Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Intro music is "Nobody Calls It San Fran" by Coyote Hearing. Outro music is "The Papergirl" by The Whole Other....

What happened to Massena's missing girl?

On September 1928, a 4-year-old girl went missing in the woods, igniting a suspicion of blood libel against the Jewish citizens of that community. Barbara Griffiths was found the next morning, unbothered by her experience. But the feelings left behind lingered for much longer. Kelly Burdick and Christina Knott talk to reporter Chris Brock. He recently wrote about the missing girl, Barbara Griffiths, and spoke to Edward Berenson, the author of a new book about the subject, "The Accusation...

How did Halloween hijinks in the north country evolve through the years?

Halloween in the north country is known now for its candy and costumes, but it wasn't always such an innocent occasion. Christina Knott and Kelly Burdick discuss the devilish history of Halloween in the north country and how it has evolved into its relatively harmless, albeit more commercial, version today. Contact & credits Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Intro music is "Nobody Calls It San Fran" by Coyote Hearing. Outro music is "The Papergirl" by The Whole Other.  Follow us on ...

Whatever became of the Shabby House?

Christina and Kelly revisit the topic of the Shabby House turned Restoration House from Watertown's Depression-era history with today's current owners. Listen in as reporter Chris Brock speak with Mary and Roman Espinoza about their home and how they learned of its unique history. For more ... Listen to our original May 10 episode on the Shabby House. And visit nny360.com to read Chris Brock's article on the Espinoza family and their home.  Contact & credits This episode is edited...

How did the Mets make a miracle happen?

Fifty years ago, Mets fans in Watertown predicted what few statisticians would. One of the worst teams in baseball rocketed to the top, reaching and then dominating the 1969 World Series. Dennis O'Brien joins Christina and Kelly to talk about the Miracle Mets and how the 1969 made sports history in a way almost no one saw coming. Contact & credits Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Intro music is "Nobody Calls It San Fran" by Coyote Hearing. Outro music is "The Papergirl" by The Who...

Who was the terror of Coffeen Street?

One hundred twenty five years ago, Watertown and the surrounding communities in Northern New York were terrorized by what would be called "the lunatic" of Coffeen Street. This mysterious stranger attacked passersby with rocks, and as residents searched for him in vain with dogs and guns, the man's aim was improving. Kelly and Christina talk about this spooky part of our local history and why he was such a terrifying figure. Contact & credits Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Intr...

What happened to all the old buildings 50 years ago?

Urban renewal. These words alone are enough to strike fear into the hearts of many history lovers. Did this movement erase our important connection to our past? Or allow us to move forward into the future? Did it destroy communities or revitalize them? Maybe both? Kelly and Christina discuss urban renewal in the U.S. and in Northern New York to talk about the good, the bad and the in-between. It's a lot to unpack, so settle in for our longest episode yet! Contact & credits Episode ...

What happened when Sacred Heart church went up in flames?

Fifty years ago, a devastating fire raged through Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church, destroying the meeting place of a 112-year-old religious community. About 100 firefighters finally brought the church fire under control as temperatures hovered around 0 degrees. But the next morning, only smoldering ruins remained. Stone walls had a layer of ice. The only other thing still standing was the 100-foot high bell tower. Kelly and Christina talk about this fire, its mysterious cause and how the...

Who was the hermit of Cold River?

Noah John Rondeau was an interesting character of contradictions. He loved people but even more loved being alone in the wilderness. He had only an eighth-grade education but developed his own secret code that kept his secrets long after his death. Kelly and Christina discuss this interesting north country man, his life in the woods, his strange fame and the interesting legacy he left behind. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Intro music is "Nobody Calls It San Fran" by Coyote Hearin...

Why does Minna Anthony Common have a nature center?

The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, celebrating its 50th anniversary today, is one of the largest nature centers in New York’s state park system. It sits on a 600-acre peninsula of Wellesley Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. It has 8 miles of hiking trails as well as 7 miles of cross-country ski trails during the winter months. The center has been described as a hidden gem, but perhaps even less well known is the namesake of the center and how it got its name. Christina a...

What caused the 1944 food riot in Watertown?

“They raided the sugar supply as well as the butter. They opened the store’s large cooler and began pulling butter out of it, disregarding the manager’s warning that only a half pound could be sold to each customer.” We're back! Today we’re looking back to December 1944 to find the answer to the question what caused the 1944 food riot in Watertown? Kelly Burdick and Christina Knott are talking to Watertown Daily Times reporter Chris Brock to learn more about this gem he discovered in our...

The rise and fall of the Northern Brewing Co. in Watertown

Special guest Dennis O'Brien joins Kelly and Christina to talk about the history of the Northern Brewing Co. in Watertown, including its famous sports owner, who may have also invented the bounce pass.  Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is by Podington Bear. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Email us at [email protected].

July 28-Aug. 3 History Highlights

Special guest host Dennis O'Brien joins Christina for a look back at north country happenings this week, from renovations of a 100-year-old Civil War monument, a loose local connection to a major murder trial and a stern edict from our favorite past Chief of Police, E.J. Singleton. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is by Podington Bear. Look for us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for more. Visit nny360.com for the best news from Northern New York.

Encephalitis lethargica: In the north country and around the world

Encephalitis lethargica, sleeping sickness or "sleep-death" This often forgotten epidemic remains the largest medical mystery of the 20th century. It struck a million people or more around the world, killing about a third immediately and leaving a third more trapped immobile, alive but imprisoned inside their body. A century later, we still don't know what causes it, how it is transmitted, how to cure it or whether it may happen again. Kelly and Christina discuss how this sickness affect...

July 21-27 History Highlights

New drivers are encouraged to advertise their inexperience, near beer is a miss and some domestic disputes hit the newspapers of the past. Kelly and Christina discuss. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is "Rubber Robot" by Poddinton Bear. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for fun extras and to learn more about Northern New York history.  Let us know if you have any highlights or history to share at [email protected] and visit our news site online at nny360.com.

July 21-27 History Highlights

New drivers are encouraged to advertise their inexperience, near beer is a miss and some domestic disputes hit the newspapers of the past. Kelly and Christina discuss. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is "Rubber Robot" by Poddinton Bear. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for fun extras and to learn more about Northern New York history.  Let us know if you have any highlights or history to share at [email protected] and visit our news site online at nny360.com.

Who was John Nill?

He died 100 years ago, with his obituary promising his works would never be forgotten, but who was John Nill? Learn more about the German immigrant to Watertown, N.Y., who became a baker, caker, ice cream creator and cigar maker. But that's not all; he was also elected mayor of Watertown, and has one of the most interesting grave sites in the region.  Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is "Boop" by Podington Bear. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and check out our news website a...

July 14-20 History Highlights

This special episode of History Highlights, we follow the local coverage of the NASA moon landing 50 years ago in 1969. We talk about local reactions, thoughts from foreign visitors in the U.S. that week, controversy and protests and the new frontier of exploration. Contact us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is by Poddington Bear. Other audio can from the JFK Presidential Library and from NASA.   Listen to th...

Vintage lawn games in the north country

During the short summer months in the north country, everyone is out to soak up as much sun as possible before the winter returns -- and that's true not just today. A century ago, these games kept families, friends and strangers entertained.  Kelly and Christina talk about the interesting history of these outdoor games and how locals here participated in them through the years. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is "Starday" by Podington Bear. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram an...

July 7-13 History Highlights

Christina and Kelly talk about north country historical events, and we go out of Watertown a bit to talk about the surrounding communities. We talk about Ives Park in Potsdam, a road rage incident in Malone, giant strawberries brought into the Watertown Daily Times, the return of War of 1812 Ale out of Sacketts Harbor, prisoners of war in Pine Camp (Fort Drum) and more. Podcast is edited by Christina Knott. Music is by Podington Bear. Search for us on Instagram and Facebook. Support loca...

The Thirsty First and the Fourth of July

What was the Fourth of July like in the early 1900s? In a word, raucous. Injuries, destruction and even death were not uncommon.  An article in the Watertown Daily Times on July 13, 1903 reported 52 killed and 3,665 injured in 200 cities, including a 10-year-old boy and a 9-year-old boy in Kingston, who were shot in the hand with toy pistols and developed Lockjaw. A n article in the paper from June 10, 1910, pleaded with readers to stay "safe and sane" on the Fourth. But Independence D...

June 30 to July 6 History Highlights

Kelly and Christina discuss take a second look at history highlights from the Watertown Daily Times for the week of June 30 to July 6. 50 years ago July 2, 1969: The Watertown City Council Monday threw out all bids for the projected Children’s Zoo in Thompson park which, among other things would remove the stone pavilion from public use in favor of a children’s playground and spray pool and eliminate the present paved roadway through the zoo sector. Corporation Council Kenneth W. Brett ru...

The north country's first skyscraper

In the 19th century, most north country residents had never seen a tall “skyscraper” building. The few that had were likely to have seen it in New York City, where the first skyscraper reached seven stories in 1870 with the Equitable Life Building, considered by many to be the first skyscraper. For residents in Watertown, plans would soon be in place for a building of their own to brag about. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is by Podington Bear. Visit us on Facebook or Instag...

June 23-29 History Highlights

Kelly and Christina take a look back at this week in north country history for June 23-29. Follow along online or in print. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is "Boop" by Podington Bear. Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on Facebook or Instagram. And check out our new website, NNY360.com as well for the latest Northern New York news.

How Dr. Brianard introduced space to the north country

Christina and Kelly discuss Northern New York's own astronomy expert, Dr. Brainard, and how his observations reflected increased interest with the space at the turn of the 20th century. The discovery of Neptune, the secrets of Saturn's rings and the massive chasms of sun spots fascinated the public, who would decades later would visit the moon, launch satellites and send robots to Mars. Listen to hear how Dr. Brainard helped introduce the north country to astronomical discoveries taking ...

How Dr. Brainard introduced space to the north country

Christina and Kelly discuss Northern New York's own astronomy expert, Dr. Brainard, and how his observations reflected increased interest with the space at the turn of the 20th century. The discovery of Neptune, the secrets of Saturn's rings and the massive chasms of sun spots fascinated the public, who would decades later would visit the moon, launch satellites and send robots to Mars. Listen to hear how Dr. Brainard helped introduce the north country to astronomical discoveries taking ...

History highlights

Kelly and Christina discuss education, dairy month, the 25th anniversary of the trial of the century and more. Listen in and follow along in the Watertown Daily Times this week or online here. Contact us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is "Starday" by Poddington Bear.

One last one-room schoolhouse

Kelly and Christina talk about the last one room school house in the north country, referenced in this Looking Backward entry from the Watertown Daily Times, that closed its doors in 1989. This island schoolhouse rang its last bell in 1989, but during its time, this small school educated an isolated group of children who called Grindstone Island their home. June 13, 1969: "Not only does Grindstone Island have a one-room school house, one of the few remaining in the country, but the te...

June 9-15 History Highlights

This week in history, we talk about the Watertown library's surveillance system, Boldt Castle renovations, a "Flower" expected to bloom in the city for the next two years and more. Episode edited by Christina Knott. Music is "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear. Contact us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. 

June 2-8 History Highlights

This week in history, we talk about an attempted murder by rain, D-Day, a talented Watertown cartography artists and more. Episode edited by Christina Knott. Music is "Rubber Robot" by Podington Bear. References: Chris Brock's article: Echoes of D-Day in the north country

Scott Mattraw goes to Hollywood

Scott Mattraw left Northern New York for a career in film, just as the industry was on the cusp of a boom, and he quickly boomed to stardom himself. Perhaps his most famous role today is as Bashful in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," but he was in more than 600 other films, according to some reports. His story doesn't start there, though. Mr. Mattraw was a well-known local theater actor in Watertown, a former manager of the Avon theater and opened a successful, if short-lived, restaurant...

May 26-June 1 History Highlights

Civil War and PTSD

After reading in a historical newspaper entry about a man who disappeared after the Civil War, leaving his family destitute, Christina and Kelly decided to look into the mental trauma that affected soldiers returning home and how our understanding of this has changed. Military and medical officials in the 1860s had little grasp of how war can scar minds as well as bodies. For them, mental ills were also a source of shame, especially for soldiers bred on Victorian notions of manliness and c...

History highlights for May 19-25

Kelly and Christina discuss the happenings in New York's north country for the week of May 19-26. Episode is edited by Olivia Belanger. Music is from Podington Bear.

Going red, white and blue with victory gardens

Kelly and Christina are getting spring fever and are excited to talk about victory gardens to celebrate the season and honor the WW2 effort to support the war. We talk about the local efforts by Minna Anthony Common and others to help promote home gardens, as well as talk tips and advice on how to start your own. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is from Podington Bear. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Articles from Watertown Daily Times on the Depauville Library: Depauville Librar...

History highlights from May 12-18

Kelly and Christina discuss the happenings in New York's north country for the week of May 12-18. Episode is edited by Olivia Belanger. Music is from Podington Bear.

A woman and a bad name

May 18, 1894 "Mrs. Luise Furness is a tall, stout woman who resides with her husband and little step-daughter on a farm near Alexandria Bay. She alleges that William Merrill, a neighbor, called her vile name on different occasions, attacking her chastity, and now she is in court making her case." Kelly and Christina discuss this case that brought out a few skeleton from people's closets, and how the plaintiff responded when her virtue -- as well as her appearance -- briefly ended up on tr...

Highlights for May 5-11

Kelly and Christina discuss local history happenings from the week of May 5-11. Episode is edited by Christina Knott. Music is by Podington Bear. Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Shabby house turns chic

A run down, "shabby" house takes stage on Watertown's Public Square during a renovation project in 1934. The city watched it change as local contractors pitched in to give the pre-Depression era home a new look. Kelly and Christina talk about the renovation, what happened to the house and how its beautification sought to improve the city as a whole. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to see before and after photos of the house. Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected].  This po...

A health store closes its doors, unusual animal rescued from a fire and common sense shoes

A health store closes its doors, unusual animal rescued from a fire and common sense shoes are just part of this week's discussion. Listen in as Kelly and Christina go over this week in north country history. Edited by Christina Knott. If you have a comment of an idea to share, contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Olmsted who built Thompson Park

More than a century ago, Watertown City planners sought the help of a man to help make the gift of beautiful park land into a perfect treasure. We talk about the park, the movement and influences that helped shape its creator and the impact of the land today. Edited by Christina Knott.  If you have a comment of an idea to share, contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Susan B. Anthony visits, home on the Grange and spreading good cheer with the Goldenaires

Kelly and Christina talk about the important of the Grange, why it's a good idea to think of others, the barber with the shortest career in Three Mile Bay, the anniversary of the first ship through the St. Lawrence Seaway and -- oh yeah! -- we were guests on another podcast. (Plus more.) Music is "All Hot Lights" by Podington Bear. Episoded is edited by Christina Knott. Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] or find us on Facebook and Instagram.   Links: Kelly and Christ...

Are We the Morbid Ones?

Windows of homes were blasted out, a bicycle rider was thrown to his knees and people miles away felt the shock as a massive pile of gunpowder exploded on the eastern side of town. Join us as we discuss this horrific disaster and how the city remains impacted. Hosted by Christina Knott and Kelly Burdick. Intro/Outro music from Lithics. Editing is by Christina Knott.  Special thanks to friend of the show, Larry, for his suggestion of today's topic. If you have a comment of an idea to sh...

Powder house explosion killed two and rattled the city

Windows of homes were blasted out, a bicycle rider was thrown to his knees and people miles away felt the shock as a massive pile of gunpowder exploded on the eastern side of town. Join us as we discuss this horrific disaster and how the city remains impacted. Hosted by Christina Knott and Kelly Burdick. Intro/Outro music from Lithics. Editing is by Christina Knott.  Special thanks to friend of the show, Larry, for his suggestion of today's topic. If you have a comment of an idea to sh...

Lost Rations, Sad Birthday Luck and Colorful Cats

Kelly and Christina talk about several tragic historical events on her friend's birthday this week, as well as a stories about how colors helped save some feathery lives and how color-blindness led to an uncertain moment for the fate of a family's weekly food supply. Read the full Sue Mende's full story about the colorfully-collared cats on our website.   Music is "All Hot Lights" by Podington Bear. Episode is edited by Olivia Belanger. Contact us at [email protected] or kburdick@wdt....

The Great Flood of 1869

April 22, 1869: Black River looses one bridge and one saw mill by the freshet. In Dexter, we hear the village is afloat, and that some people can’t get out of their houses, on account of the freshet. The Great Flood of 1869 roared through communities in the north country 150 years ago, destroying bridges, business and anything else in its path. We talk about how this event wreaked havoc for days on end in villages and settlements all along the Black River, as well as how Watertown refused ...

Do you know Huckleberry Charlie?

Charles “Huckleberry Charlie” Sherman, born on Feb. 15, 1842, in Watertown was a conspicuous figure of the north country, with a reputation that continues to intrigue local historians. Join Christina Knott and special guest host Dennis O'Brien as we discuss this colorful character.  Intro/Outro music from Lithics. Editing is by Olivia Belanger. Read about Huckleberry Charlie and visit the newspaper website at Watertown Daily Times. Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] or...

A tough case and a disorderly house

It's easy to romanticize the past, but not everyone had gilded storybook lives. Today we talk about Nellie Thompson, who appears in several crime stories in the Watertown Daily Times starting around April 6, 1894. We don't know much about her, but we reading between the lines, Kelly and Christina take a second look at this woman to try to understand more about her life and the complications of growing up on the bad part of town. Music is "Skychaser" by Les Rosevere. Contact us at cknot...