Belding’s

 Pond  
  Editor  The  Record:  Would  you  please  publish  in  the  Pulse  of  the  People  the  year  that  
Belden’s  Pond  was  founded,  and  how  it  got  its  name?  
READER.    
  Troy,  Dec.  23,  1941.  
—  
  Answer:  What  was  known  as  the  “Flat  Meadow”  once  was  owned  by  one  Daniel  or  
Dennis   Belding.     In   time   Belding’s   Meadow   became   Belding’s   Pond.     It   became   of   importance  
because  of  water  power  along  the  Wynantskill.    Some  years  later  the  pond  was  referred  to  as  
Beldon’s.    In  time  it  was  taken  over  by  the  City  of  Troy  as  a  beauty  spot.    Now  it  is  referred  to  
as  Belden’s.  
“Pulse  of  the  People:  About  Belden’s  Pond.”  Times  Record.  December  26,  1941  
 
 
The   BELDING   HOUSE   (private),   9   Brunswick   Road,   is   a   fine   example   of   the   Greek   Revival  
style.    The  pedimented  portico  with  four  fluted  Ionic  columns  overlooks  the  mill  pond  across  
the  road.    The  flush  boarding  of  the  main  block  is  broken  by  floor-­‐length  parlor  windows  and  
on   the   left   by   an   unusually   squat   side-­‐lighted   door   surmounted   by   a   wide   transom.     On   each  
side  are  clapboarded  wings  with  end  chimneys.    The  interior  retains  its  original  doors,  trim,  
and   marble   mantels.     The   house   was   erected   in   the   late   1830’s   by   Dennis   Belding,   Troy  
butcher,  who  owned  the  farm  site  from  1834  to  1854.  
Workers   of   the   Writers’   Program   of   the   Works   Progress   Administration.   New   York:   A   Guide   to   the  
Empire  State.  New  York  State  Historical  Association,  1940.  351.  
 
If   Brunswick   road   has   not   been   renumbered,   9   Brunswick   Road   would   seem   to   be   the  
vacant  lot  two  lots  east  of  the  former  bar  Mickey  Doyle’s  with  its  crumbling  green  bricks.    
However,  the  Troy  Masonic  Hall  at  39  Brunswick  Rd  has  four  fluted  Ionic,  i.e.  grooved  and  
scroll-­‐topped,  columns  and  its  address  seems  to  have  in  the  past  been  9  Brunswick  Rd.  
 
Below,  a  map  detail  depicting  Ida  Lake;  the  Mount  Ida  Catholic  Cemetery  is  labeled  “Cem”  
in   the   area   directly   south   of   “MOUNT   IDA   Cemetery”;   “ICE   HO,”   i.e.   Ice   House,   located  
directly  south  of  Catholic  cemetery.  
 

 
Beers,  F.  W.  Atlas  of  the  Hudson  River  Valley  from  New  York  City  to  Troy.  Watson  &  Co.,  1891.  
http://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~28473~1120877:Portion-­‐of-­‐Albany-­‐County-­‐and-­‐
West-­‐
T?sort=pub_list_no_initialsort%2Cpub_date%2Cpub_list_no%2Cseries_no&qvq=w4s:/what/County%20Atlas/Atlas%20
Map/where/Troy%20(N.Y.)/when/1891;sort:pub_list_no_initialsort%2Cpub_date%2Cpub_list_no%2Cseries_no;lc:RUMS
EY~8~1&mi=0&trs=2  
   The   burial   grounds   committee,   were   authorized   to   repair   the   fences   about   said  
grounds,  and  to  place  the  fence  along  the  north  side  of  the  new  burial  ground,  so  far  from  
the  creek  as  to  secure  it  against  the  ice.  
Troy  Daily  Whig.  March  24,  1840:  2  col  6.  
 
  Three   boys   while   skating   upon   Belding’s   Pond,   rear   of   Mt.   Ida   Cemetery   were  
precipitated   in   the   water   by   the   ice   giving   away,   and   one   of   them   named   JOHN   HENRY,   son  
of  THOS.  HENRY,  was  drowned.    Another  was  in  the  water  for  a  long  time,  supported  by  a  
piece  of  board,  until  he  was  rescued  by  two  persons  who  happened  to  pass.    JOHN  HENRY  
was  about  13  years  of  age.  
“Boy  Drowned.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  December  30,  1852  
 
  Wm.   White,   a   lad   16   years   old,   was   drowned   Thursday   afternoon,   in   the   College  
pond   on   Ida   Hill,   Troy.     he   was   challenging   others   to   follow,   when   the   ice   gave   way.     No  
assistance  was  rendered  in  time  to  save  him  from  drowning.    His  body  has  been  recovered.    
The  deceased  was  a  brother-­‐in-­‐law  of  Alderman  McKeon.  
“Drowned.”  Albany  Argus.  1862.    
 
  A  pair  of  horses,  attached  to  an  ice-­‐plow,  broke  through  the  ice  on  Beldin’s  pond,  Ida  
Hill,  yesterday  afternoon,  and  narrowly  escaped  from  being  drowned.    The  animals  were  in  
charge  of  Mr.  Irving’s  son  at  the  time,  who  succeeded  in  making  his  escape.    Planks  were  
procured,   and   by   means   of   ropes   fastened   around   the   necks   of   the   animals,   they   were  
rescued.  
“Horses  Rescued.”  Troy  Daily  Whig.  March  7,  1863  
 
  A  large  quantity  of  clear  ice  is  being  taken  from  Belding’s  pond  on  Ida  Hill.    It  is  from  
eight  to  fifteen  inches  in  thickness.  
“Ice.”  Troy  Daily  Whig.  March  4,  1870.  
 
  William  C.  Irving  a  day  a  two  since  captured  on  Belding’s  pond  a  very  rare  bird.    it  is  
set   down   by   natural   history   as   the   Pimliocolus,   and   is   supposed   to   be   a   hybrid,   crossed  
between   an   eagle   and   a   duck.     Less   than   half   a   dozen   have   been   found   in   the   United   States,  
though  they  have  been  found  in  the  United  States,  though  they  are  said  to  be  quite  common  
in   Mexico.     it   has   the   eyes   and   talons   of   an   eagle   and   the   beak   and   comb   of   a   duck.     It  
measures   three   feet   six   and   one-­‐half   inches,   from   tip   to   tip   of   its   wings.     Mr.   Irving   secured  
the  prize  alive  and  has  it  confined  in  a  cage  at  his  house.  
“Troy.”  Albany  Daily  Evening  Times.  August  3,  1872  
 
  Ald.  Phillips  presented  a  form  of  a  lease  from  the  executor  of  Benj.  Marshall  to  the  
city  of  Troy  for  a  passage-­‐way   for   fire   engines   to   the   pond   on   Ida   Hill,   near   stone   bridge.  
[Law.  
“Common  Council  Proceedings.”  Troy  Daily  Whig.  May  16,  1873  
 
  Residents  of  Pawling  avenue  are  considering  the  project  of  erecting  a  toboggan  slide  
on  the  south  side  of  Mount  Ida  lake.    Edward  F.  Murray  will  give  the  free  use  of  the  land,  
and  it  is  expected  a  toboggan  club  will  be  organized.    The  site  is  said  by  experts  to  be  one  of  
the  best  in  the  country.  
“Home  Matters;  City  Notes.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  October  19,  1885.  

Belding’s  Pond   2  
  
  Troy  will  have  a  toboggan  slide  in  Hine  woods,  on  Pawling  avenue,  extending  across  
Ida  lake.  
“Local  Jottings;  Columns  Boiled  Down  to  Paragraphs.”  Albany  Evening  Times.    November  7,  1885.  
 
  There   is   good   skating   on   Mt.   Ida   lake.   […]   The   Mt.   Ida   toboggan   slide   is   nearing  
completion.    Forty  loads  of  ice  will  be  placed  upon  it  to-­‐day,  after  which  it  will  be  flooded.    
The  club  numbers  90  members.  
“Our  Neighborhood;  Suburban  Notes;  Troy.”  Albany  Evening  Journal.  December  3,  1885  
 
  The   chutes   of   the   Troy   Toboggan   club   at   Mt.   Ida   lake   were   flooded   last   evening.    
Arrangements   are   being   made   for   a   grand   opening   to   take   place   this   week.     The   club  
received   twenty   more   toboggans   Saturday.     The   slides   of   the   Saratoga   Toboggan   club   at  
Glen  Mitchell  will  probably  be  opened  for  the  first  time  on  Christmas.  
“Local  Notes.”  Albany  Evening  Times.  December  21,  1885  
 
  A   speedy   and   enjoyable   toboggan   ride   can   be   had   afternoon   and   evening   at   the  
Mount  Ida  lake  slide.  
“In  Pleasure’s  Domain.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  January  26,  1886  
 
  The   cases   of   persons   charged   with   maintaining   public   nuisance   in   dumping   ashes  
and   garbage   on   Pawling   avenue,   at   Mount   Ida   lake,   will   be   presented   to   the   grand   jury   this  
afternoon.  
“City  Notes.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  November  22,  1887  
 
Troy  Toboggan  Club,  
  CORNER  PINE  WOODS  AND  PAWLING  AVENUES.—Slides  now  open  to  the  public.  
  Membership   tickets   for   season   $10.     Admissions   25   cents,   evenings   50   cents,  
including  toboggans.    Ladies  admitted  free.  
          E.  W.  MILLARD,  
  W.  H.  POTTER,  JR.,  Treasurer.  
“Troy  Toboggan  Club.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  November  22,  1887  
 
  Warrants   were   yesterday   served   on   John   Mullen,   contractor,   and   William   Mullen,  
Peter   Cooney   and   Thomas   Burns,   in   the   employ   of   John   Mullen.     They   are   charged   with  
maintaining   a   nuisance   in   dumping   refuse   on   the   shore   of   Mount   Ida   lake,   on   Pawling  
avenue,   thereby   endangering   the   health   of   the   public.     The   complaint   is   made   by   a  
residence   of   Pawling   avenue.     John   Mullen   was   the   only   defendant   present   in   court   this  
morning,  and  special  officer  Ford  was  directed  to  arrest  the  others.    John  Mullen  was  held  
in  $500  for  examination  to-­‐morrow.    The  counsel  for  the  defendants,  John  J.  Kennedy,  said  
it  would  be  shown  by  the  board  of  health  that  the  defendants  had  a  right  to  deposit  ashes  
and   refuse   at   the   locality   complained   of,   and   G.G.   Riordan,   who   represents   the  
complainants,  said  that  it  would  be  shown  by  the  board  of  health,  which  had  been  censured  
by  the  grand  jury,  that  the  defendants  had  been  notified  to  stop  the  dumping  of  refuse  on  
Pawling  avenue.  
“A  Contractor  Arrested.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  December  8,  1887.  
 

Belding’s  Pond   3  
   A   petition   signed   by   fifty   residents   of   Pawling   avenue   has   been   sent   to   the   state  
board   of     health,   calling   attention   to   the   unhealthful   condition   of   the   “dumping   grounds  
along  Mount  Ida  lake,  near  the  avenue.”    Pending  the  action  of  the  grant  jury  in  the  case  of  
the   men   arrested   for   throwing   refuse   on   the   grounds,   the   complainants   say   further   arrests  
will  be  made  if  the  use  of  the  dumping  grounds  be  continued.  
“City  Notes.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  December  14,  1887:  col  1.    
 
  About  10  o’clock  yesterday  morning  Ernest  Hill,  thirteen  years  old  and  son  of  Fabian  
Hill,  residing  on  Prospect  avenue,  was  sitting  on  a  hand-­‐sled  on  the  bank  of  Mount  Ida  lake,  
watching  men  at  work  floating  ice.    Suddenly  the  sled  started  and  slid  rapidly  down  the  hill  
into  the  lake,  carrying  the  boy  with  it.    He  was  swept  over  the  dam  and  carried  down  the  
Poestenkill.    The  body  was  not  recovered.    The  boy  was  a  bright  lad.  
Troy  Daily  Times.  1887.  
 
THE  COMMON  BROOK  TROUT  
  The   favorite   fish   with   the   sportsman   is   the   trout,   which   with   a   certain   amount   of  
ability  and  patience  (which  the  successful  angler  must  possess),  may  be  enticed  from  the  
rocks   and   hidden   places   in   most   of   the   streams   and   running   brooks   in   this   vicinity.     The  
agile   trout   is   found   in   the   creek   near   Wynantskill,   which   flows   into   Albia   lake,   and   in   the  
creek   that   forms   Mount   Ida   lake.     Only   experienced   fishermen   succeed   in   getting   these  
cautious   creatures,   as   the   amateurish   anglers   scare   the   trout   with   a   clumsy   line   or   by  
talking  or  walking  carelessly  along  the  bank.  
“Fish   in   the   Hudson;   Where   the   Angler   Finds   Sport—The   Various   Fish   That   Swim   in   Local   Water—Capturing   Fish   with  
Hook  and  Net—Salmon  Culture  in  the  Hudson  River.”  Troy  Daily  Times  Supplement.  January  7,  1888.  
 
  A   surveying   party   of   the   public   improvement   commission   is   working   on   the   East  
Side   district,   prepatory   to   making   official   maps.     Levels   have   been   taken   from   Mount   Ida  
lake  to  Albia.  
"The  East  Side."  Troy  Daily  Times.  July  8,  1891:  3  col  6.  
 
  A  gang  of  tramps  frequents  the  old  ice-­‐houses  on  the  southwest  bank  of  Mount  Ida  
lake;   at   night   they   build   fires   to   cook   corn   and   other   provender,   for   which   they   forage  
during  the  day.  
“The  East  Side.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  October  1,  1891.    
 
  An  enterprising  resident  of  the  East  Side  has  placed  a  canoe  on  Mount  Ida  lake,  and  
its   white   sail   makes   a   pretty   picture,   as   it   glides   between   the   little   islands   in   the   great  
hollow.  
“The  East  Side.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  September  13,  1892:  3  col  4.  
 
  A   clergyman   who   formerly   lived   near   the   Pawling   avenue   dumping-­‐ground,   at  
Mount   Ida   lake,   says   he   has   a   notion   to   tell   some   day   what   he   knows   about   that   historic  
place   of   deposit.     He   thinks   it   would   be   an   interesting   contribution   to   the   history   of  
municipal   government.     The   persistency   with   which   garbage   was   placed   there   in   spite   of  
threats   and   promises,   coaxing   by   neighbors   and   warning   by   city   officials,   was   one   of   the  
most  conspicuous  instances  of  the  power  that  lies  in  the  “pull.”    The  preacher  referred  to  
evolved   a   conundrum   out   of   the   fragrant   breezes   of   the   place,   thuswise:   Why   is   the  

Belding’s  Pond   4  
atmosphere  near  the  Pawling  avenue  dumping-­‐ground  like  the  prince  of  Wales?    Answer:  
Because  it  is  an  air  apparent.  
“Wayside  Whispers;  Some  Seasoning  for  the  Solids  of  Life—Transient  Talk.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  October  15,  1892.  
 
A  Fairylike  Scene.  
  While   the   parade   passed   up   Pawling   avenue   the   eye   was   greeted   by   a   bewitching  
scene.     Lanterns   glowed   among   foliage   and   shone   in   fiery   garlands   from   the   piazzas   of  
residences   and   bunting   and   flags   were   displayed   in   profusion.     On   Mount   Ida   lake   boats  
glided   over   the   water,   which   was   illuminated   by   brilliant   greek   fire,   through   which  
American  flags  could  be  seen  fluttering  in  crimson  smoke.    On  an  island  of  the  lake  a  bonfire  
threw   up   fierce   yellow   flames.     The   uplands   surrounding   the   waters   were   illuminated   by  
greek  fire  and  pyrotechnics.  
“Showed   Their   Colors;   Brilliant   Republican   Demonstration   in   the   Fifth   Ward—Reviewed   By   the   Future   Governor—
Elaborate  Decorations.”    Troy  Daily  Times.  October  27,  1896.  
 
  Mount   Ida   lake   was   black   with   skaters   yesterday   afternoon.     The   ice   was   strong   and  
smooth,  and  the  young  people  enjoyed  the  exhilarating  sport  until  dusk.    A  rink  will  soon  be  
established  on  the  lake,  and  lovers  of  skating  may  then  enjoy  the  sport  at  night.  
“The  East  Side.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  December  22,  1896  
 
  A   number   of   young   people   enjoyed   excellent   skating   on   Mount   Ida   lake   yesterday.    
The  ice  had  frozen  solidly,  and  icemen  will  recommend  harvesting  to-­‐morrow,  should  the  
cold  continue.  
“The  East  Side.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  January  8,  1897  
 
  The   cold   weather   of   yesterday   caused   icemen   to   make   hurried   preparations   to  
resume  the  cutting  of  ice.    To-­‐day  B.  Cooper  &  Co.  started  a  gang  of  men  at  Smart’s  pond,  
where   the   ice   is   about   nine   inches   thick.     George   W.   Hunt   sent   a   gang   to   Mount   Ida   lake   to-­‐
day,  where  the  work  of  cutting  was  begun.    The  ice  in  the  river  is  between  five  and  seven  
inches   thick   and   a   few   cold   days   will   increase   its   thickness   so   that   cutting   will   be   begun.    
The  outlook  for  a  good  harvest  in  this  vicinity  is  bright.  
“City  Notes.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  December  29,  1898  
 
  What   one   energetic   person   can   do   to   preserve   natural   beauty   has   just   received   a  
conspicuous  illustration  in  the  East  Side  district  of  this  city.    A  strip  of  lake  front  on  Mount  
Ida   Lake   was   occupied   by   large   signboards   which   disfigured   the   landscape   and   obscured  
the  view.    These  boards  have  been  removed,  a  ruined  building  which  was  adjacent  is  to  be  
taken   away   and   450   feet   of   the   lake   front   are   to   be   converted   into   a   park—and   all   through  
the   energy   of   a   lady   residing   in   the   neighborhood.     Mrs.   B.F.   Fitch   of   Pawling   Avenue   told   a  
Troy  Times  reporter  as  follows  how  the  work  was  undertaken  and  the  steps  of  its  progress.  
The  Barrier.  
  Said   Mrs.   Fitch:   “I   have   lived   on   Pawling   Avenue   opposite   Mount   Ida   Lake   for  
seventeen   years,   and   for   five   years   of   that   time   have   been   compelled   to   look   upon   large  
signboards   that   detracted   greatly   from   the   beauty   of   the   view.     While   I   regretted   the  
disfigurement  of  the  landscape  I  saw  no  way  of  preventing  it.    A  lady  who  was  visiting  at  my  
house  had  travelled  in  every  country  on  the  globe  except  Australia,  and  she  said  that  one  of  
the  most  beautiful  views  she  had  ever  seen  was  that  across  Mount  Ida  Lake  to  the  hills  on  

Belding’s  Pond   5  
the   opposite   side.     She   expressed   surprise  that  so  much  of  this  view  was  permitted   to  be  
shut  off  by  the  signboards.    I  said  that  there  was  a  general  feeling  of  dissatisfaction  about  it,  
but  I  could  see  no  remedy.    I  happened  to  notice,  however,  in  the  Ladies’  Home  Journal  a  
suggestion   in   the   nature   of   a   prize   contest   for   pictures   representing   outdoor   scenes   before  
and  after  obstructive  signboards  had  been  removed.    There  were  prizes  to  the  amount  of  
$400  offered  in  all,  with  $150  as  the  first  prize.    When  I  realized  that  others  were  interested  
in  this  work  of  preserving  landscape  views  I  made  up  my  mind  to  see  what  I  could  do.  
The  Remedy.  
  “I   went   to   the   owner   of   the   property   and   asked   him   if   there   was   any   lease   which  
entitled  the  advertisers  to  use  this  land.    He  said  that  there  was  none,  and  that  it  was  simply  
by  personal  courtesy  that  the  boards  were  erected.    I  then  asked  him  if  he  would  rent  me  
the  property  for  a  year.    He  said  that  he  would,  and  the  price  agreed  upon  was  $100  for  350  
feet   of   frontage.     I   said   that   I   thought   I   could   raise   the   money,   although   he   doubted   it.     I  
went   to   work,   and   before   long   had   $150   in   subscriptions   from   people   in   the   neighborhood.    
With  $100  of  that  amount  I  rented  the  land,  and  after  removing  the  offending  boards  have  
$50   left   for   improvements   next   season.     These   improvements   will   include   ploughing   and  
seeing  the  grass  and  the  placing  of  seats  so  as  to  make  a  small  park  of  the  place.  
Buying  a  Burned  Building.  
  “This   is   not   all   that   has   been   done.     Yesterday   the   deed   was   made   transferring  
adjacent   property   of   100   feet   in   length   on   the   lake   shore   for   $450   to   a   number   of  
prominent   residents   of   this   vicinity,   who   will   remove   the   unsightly   ruin   of   a   burned  
building   which   has   long   been   on   the   place   and   will   see   that   this   piece   of   property   is   also  
placed   in   park-­‐like   condition.     The   owner   of   the   property   which   I   rented   for   $100,   E.F.  
Murray,   who   readily   co-­‐operated   with   me   in   my   plans   for   improvement,   has   given   me   a  
perpetual  guarantee  that  at  no  time  hereafter  will  signs  be  again  permitted  on  the  place.    I  
have   sent   photographs   to   the   Ladies’   Home   Journal   showing   what   has   been   done   on   the  
shore  of  Mount  Ida  Lake.    After  I  had  rented  the  ground  I  was  offered  $350  for  its  use,  but  I  
refused  the  offer.  
A  Look  Into  the  Future.  
  “A   prominent   resident   of   the   city   who   heard   of   what   I   had   done   sent   for   me   and  
expressed   his   hope,   in   which   I   share,   that   the   city   authorities   will   take   steps   to   turn   the  
Mount   Ida   Cemetery   property   on   the   shore   of   the   lake   into   a   public   park.     If   this   were   done  
it  would  open  the  way  for  what  he  considered  would  be  a  splendid  advantage  to  this  city.    
This   would   include   the   construction   of   a   boulevard   around   Prospect   Park,   with   its  
magnificent  view,  the  road  to  extend  by  a  bridge  across  the  Poestenkill  at  the  falls  and  then  
through   Linden   Avenue   to   the   cemetery   transformed   into   a   park,   where   it   could   be  
continued   along   the   banks   of   the   Poestenkill   to   the   city’s   limits.     This   may   seem   an  
ambitious  scheme,  but  just  such  work  has  been  done  in  other  cities  that  have  not  had  the  
natural  advantages  of  land  and  water  beauty  that  we  have  along  the  Poestenkill.”  
  Mrs.   Fitch   has   received   much   praise   from   the   residents   of   the   Fifth   Ward   for   her  
remarkable   energy   and   perseverance   in   arousing   the   interest   of   the   people   of   the  
neighborhood  and  in  brining  about  a  change  which  has  added  to  the  beauty  of  the  vicinity  
and  has  therefore  earned  the  gratitude  of  the  people  of  the  city.  
“Saving   the   Landscape;   What   an   Enterprising   Lady   Has   Done   to   Preserve   Scenic   Beauty—A   Park   Replaces  
Disfiguring  Signs.”  Troy  Times.  October  20,  1904:  8  col  5.  
 

Belding’s  Pond   6  
   Complaint  was  made  this  morning  to  the  Chief  of  Police  of  illicit  fishing  in  Mount  Ida  
Lake  and  the  Poestenkill.    Three  years  ago  these  waters  were  stocked  each  with  pickerel,  
pike,  bass,  perch  and  mountain  brook  trout,  25,000  fingerlings  in  all.    During  the  last  two  
years  not  a  single  bass  has  responded  to  the  hook,  no  matter  how  tempting  the  bait.    The  
reason  for  this,  it  is  alleged,  is  that  nightly  during  the  last  three  years  fyke  nets  and  set  lines  
have  been  placed  in  these  waters.    By  this  method  the  larger  fish  have  been  caught.    Then,  
going   upon   the   spawning   beds,   the   young   fish   have   been   caught   and   used   as   live   bait   in  
Burden’s  and  the  Grafton  Lakes.    For  this  reason  and  to  break  up  the  practice  complaint  has  
been  made  to  the  police.  
“Against  Illegal  Fishing.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  May  1,  1907:  12  col  4.  
 
  Commissioner  of  Education  Gurley  this  morning  made  objection  to  Commissioner  of  
Public  Works  Shields  against  the  use  by  George  W.  Hunt  of  the  roadways  in  the  Mount  Ida  
Cemetery   for   hauling   ice   into   his   icehouse   on   Pawling   Avenue.    Mr.   Gurley   was   acting   for  
Mrs.  Russell  Sage.    A  permit  was  granted  Mr.  Hunt  to  use  the  cemetery  for  carting  purposes  
some  time  ago.    This  has  been  done  in  former  years.  
Troy  Times.  December  22,  1908.  
 
  Roger   Sweet,   the   seven-­‐year-­‐old   son   of   Mr.   and   Mrs.   William   Sweet,   of   Troy,   was  
made   happy   yesterday   by   the   receipt   of   a   silver   medal   from   a   society   in   Detroit,   Mich.,  
which  was  sent  to  young  Roger  for  his  heroism.  
  Last  March  the  boy,  with  a  companion,  John  Herman,  was  near  the  shore  of  Mount  
Ida   Lake   and   the   Herman   boy   fell   into   the   water.     Young   Sweet,   without   thinking   of   his  
safety,  jumped  in  and  assisted  his  companion  to  shore.  
  The  medal  is  suspended  from  two  bars  and  bears  the  inscription,  “American  Boy’s  
Heroism.”    The  receipt  of  the  medal  was  a  surprise  to  young  Sweet,  as  well  as  to  his  parents.  
“Boy’s   Heroism   Is   Rewarded   with   Medal;   Trojan   Lad   Jumped   Into   Water   and   Saved   Companion   From   Drowning.”   Daily  
Saratogian.  May  27,  1909  
 
  The   presence   on   Congress   Street   these   moonlight   nights,   when   the   coasting   is   good,  
of  numerous  sleds  and  bobs  recalls  the  days,  or  nights,  a  score  of  years  ago,  when  bobbing  
was  a  recognized  sport  in  the  city  and  certain  streets  were  set  aside  on  certain  nights  for  
the  fun.    Bobs  then  were  elaborate  affairs,  manned  by  trained  crews.    Regular  bobbing  or  
coasting  clubs  were  formed  and  many  of  the  steamer  companies  had  outfits.    Some  of  the  
bobs   would   carry   twenty   or   twenty-­‐five   persons,   and   they   were   ornate   with   cushions,  
fenders  for  the  feet,  nickel-­‐plated  metal  work,  loud  gongs  and  wonderful  steering  wheels.    
Nor  was  bobbing  child’s  play.    Ferry  and  Hoosick  Streets  were  made  glary  and  high  speed  
was   attained   as   the   sleighs   followed   certain   well-­‐defined   ruts   in   the   roadway.     With   the  
great   weights  they  carried  some  of  the  bobs  attained  a  speed  of  fifty  or  sixty  miles  an  hour,  
a   speed   only   equaled   in   coasting   hereabouts   when   Wally   Millard   built   a   toboggan   slide  
almost  perpendicular  near  Hunt’s  icehouse  on  Mount  Ida  Lake.    Some  of  the  bobs  were  so  
heavy  that  horses  were  provided  to  haul  them  up  Congress  Street  for  another  coast  down  
Ferry  Street.    Accidents  were  not  infrequent,  and  there  were  some  fatalities  which  caused  
the   authorities   to   put   a   stop   to   the   sport.     One   night   a   pair   of   bobs   flew   down   Hoosick  
Street,   the   steerman   intending   to   swing   down   River   Street.     The   momentum,   however,   was  
so  great  that  he  could  not  do  this,  and  the  sleigh  crashed  through  the  brick  wall  of  Clexton’s  
office,  where  the  new  Ide  shop  now  stands,  and  dislodged  a  heavy  sleigh.    Sometimes  the  

Belding’s  Pond   7  
bobbers   landed   in   the   river,   and   once   at   least   they   crashed   into   a   sleighride   party   at   the  
corner   of   Fifth   Avenue   and   Hoosick   Street.     It   was   dangerous,   but   for   excitement   it   was  
glorious.  
“Home  Matters;  Wayside  Whispers.”  Troy  Times.  February  11,  1911.  
 
  Each   afternoon   at   the   close   of   school   large   numbers   of   boys   and   girls   with   skates  
thrown   over   their   shoulders   can   be   seen   wending   their   way   to   Mount   Ida   Lake,   where   fine  
skating  is  being  enjoyed.  […]  
  The   Farnam   steamer,   which   recently   was   returned   from   the   repair,   was   tested  
yesterday  afternoon  at  Mount  Ida  Lake  by  engineer  James  Pollock,  under  the  supervision  of  
Chief  Byron  and  Battalion  Chief  Ranken,  and  found  in  good  working  order.  
Troy  Times.  January  23,  1912    
 
  A  public  meeting  of  the  residents  of  the  East  Side  will  be  held  at  School  16  Monday  
evening   under   the   auspices   of   the   East   Side   Improvement   League   to   take   action   on   the  
announced  intention  of  the  owners  to  rebuild  the  icehouses  on  the  Pawling  Avenue  front  of  
Mount  Ida  Lake.  
“The  East  Side;  A  Public  Meeting.”  Troy  Times.  November  7,  1913:  23  
 
  A  public  meeting  of  residents  of  the  Fifth  Ward  at  School  16  last  night,  called  by  and  
under   the   auspices   of   the   East   Side   Improvement   League,   was   to   discuss   the   question   of  
rebuilding   the   icehouses   of   The   George   W.   Hunt   Ice   Company.     S.   C.   Tappin   presided   and   L.  
S.   Crandall   was   Secretary.     Anthony   P.   Finder   presented   the   report   of   the   committee   which  
had  drafted  a  petition  to  the  authorities  of  the  city.  
The  Petition.  
  The  petition  follows:  
To  the  Honorable  Cornelius  F.  Burns,  Mayor  of  the  City  of  Troy,  and  the  Common  Council  of  
the  City  of  Troy,  N.Y.  
  Gentlemen:  The  undersigned  residing  in  or  being  owners  of  property  located  in  the  
Fifth  Ward  of  the  city  of  Troy,  which  is  commonly  known  as  the  East  Side  of  said  city,  do  
hereby  protest  against  the  re-­‐erection  and  operation  of  icehouses  to  be  built  on  the  site  of  
the  icehouses  recently  occupied  by  The  George  W.  Hunt  Ice  Company  on  Pawling  Avenue  
on   the   southern   shore   to   what   is   know   as   Mount   Ida   Lake   or   Belden’s   Pond,   which   were  
destroyed  by  fire  Sunday,  October  19,  1913.    Your  petitioners  respectfully  request  that  such  
action   be   taken   in   the   premises   that   the   rights   and   privileges   of   The   George   W.   Hunt   Ice  
Company  in  and  to  the  lands  occupied  by  its  icehouses,  barns  and  sheds  on  the  north  side  
of  Pawling  Avenue  be  taken  over  by  the  city  of  Troy,  either  by  agreement  to  be  entered  into  
between   the   authorities   of   the   city   and   the   said   George   W.   Hunt   Ice   Company,   or   that  
condemnation   proceedings   be   brought   by   the   authorities   of   the   city   of   Troy   to   take   such  
property  for  such  use  either  for  park  or  other  purposes  as  the  authorities  of  the  city  shall  
see   fit.     In   view   of   the   recent   destruction   of   said   property   of   The   George   W.   Hunt   Ice  
Company   by   fire   the   present   is   an   opportune   time   for   the   city   to   take   over   said   property  
without  any  act  of  injustice  to  any  one  interested.  
A  Nuisance  Public  and  Private.  
  The  operation  of  said  icehouses  and  occupation  of  the  barns  and  sheds  located  on  its  
property  by  the  George  W.  Hunt  Ice  Company  has  for  years  been  a  public  as  well  as  private  

Belding’s  Pond   8  
nuisance.    The  location  of  the  property  is  on  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  and  constantly-­‐
traveled   avenues   of   the   city   of   Troy.     Pawling   Avenue   extends   through   one   of   the   finest  
residential   sections   of   our   city,   whose   residents   have   spent   and   are   spending   a   large  
amount  of  money  in  the  erection  of  fine  homes  and  the  maintenance  of  avenues,  courts  and  
private   grounds,   thus   making   the   East   Side   not   only   a   most   desirable   residential  
neighborhood  but  also  one  of  the  leading  show-­‐places  of  our  city.    This  entire  section  has  
been,  is  and,  should  said  icehouses  be  rebuilt,  will  continue  to  be  marred  by  the  presence  of  
these   icehouses,   barns   and   sheds   attached   thereto,   constituting   a   serious   eyesore   and  
annoyance.    The  operation  and  occupation  of  these  icehouses,  barns  and  sheds  has  been  a  
detriment  not  only  to  the  comfortable  enjoyment  of  all  other  property  in  their  immediate  
neighborhood  and  also  to  all  the  residents  of  the  East  Side  but  also  to  all  citizens  and  others  
who  have  had  occasion  to  traverse  and  frequent  Pawling  Avenue.  
  Your  petitioners  further  show  that  said  East  Side  contains  the  Emma  Willard  School,  
one  of  the  leading  preparatory  schools  in  the  country  for  girls  and  young  women,  which  has  
been   erected   through   the   generosity   of   Mrs.   Russel   Sage,   and   which   is   patronized   by  
families   from   nearly   every   state   in   the   Union   in   order   to   improve   the   East   Side   approach  
Mrs.   Sage   several   years   ago   contributed   a   generous   amount   to   the   city   of   Troy   for   the  
cleaning,   clearing   up   and   renovation   of   what   is   known   as   the   Old   Mount   Ida   Cemetery,  
which  is  adjacent  to  the  property  occupied  by  the  said  George  W.  Hunt  Ice  Company.    The  
location   of   said   Emma   Willard   School   in   our   East   Side   attracts   a   large   number   of   visitors  
from  outside  the  city,  and  the  principal  approach  to  said  East  Side  and  said  Emma  Willard  
School  is  by  way  of  Pawling  Avenue.  
A  Bad  Sidewalk.  
  Your   petitioners   further   show   that   for   years   there   has   never   been   maintained   in  
front   of   said   icehouses,   barns   and   sheds   any   sidewalk   as   required   by   law,   and   such  
sidewalk  as  there  has  been  has  invariable  been  unsafe  and  dangerous  for  anyone  using  that  
side   of   the   street.     That   the   use   of   the   shed   adjoining   the   barn   in   the   storage   of   wagons   has  
often  extended  more  than  one-­‐half  across  the  public  sidewalk,  thus  creating  a  nuisance  and  
an  element  of  danger  to  each  and  every  passerby,  and  especially  has  this  been  the  case  on  
Sundays   and   holidays,   when   the   wagons   of   said   George   W.   Hunt   Ice   Company   have   been  
publicly   stored   in   the   sheds   and   on   the   public   sidewalk   in   and   along   said   premises.     The  
barn   attached   to   said   icehouses   and   occupied   by   the   said   George   W.   Hunt   Ice   Company   has  
also  been  conducted  for  years  in  a  most  offensive  and  unsanitary  manner,  in  defiance  of  the  
requirements  of  the  Boar  of  Health  of  the  city  of  Troy.  
  Your  petitioners  also  respectfully  show  that  the  proposed  location  of  such  icehouses  
or  any  other  icehouses  on  the  western,  southern  or  eastern  shore  of  Mount  Ida  Lake,  also  
known   as   Belden’s   Pond,   or   on   the   northerly   side   of   Pawling   and   Pine   Woods   Avenues   and  
the   westerly   side   of   Belle   Avenue   adjacent   to   said   Mount   Ida   Lake   or   Belden’s   Pond,   is  
entirely  unnecessary,  and  that  icehouses  can  and  should  be  located  in  some  district  other  
than   in   a   prominent   and   conspicuous   residential   one,   where   the   handling   of   large   amounts  
of   ice   can   be   carried   on   without   interfering   seriously   with   the   property   rights,   peace,   quiet  
and  comfort  of  the  neighboring  residents.  
The  Result.  
  Wherefore,   the   undersigned   respectfully   pray   that   such   action   be   taken     by   the  
authorities   in   the   premises   to   the   end   that   the   property   of   the   said   George   W.   Hunt   Ice  
Company   be   acquired   by   the   city   of   Troy,   and   that   an   ordinance   be   passed   by   the   Common  

Belding’s  Pond   9  
Council   and   approved   by   the   Mayor,   prohibiting   the   erection   of   any   icehouses,   barns   or  
sheds,  or  other  similar  structures  on  and  along  the  western  southern  and  eastern  shores  of  
what   is   known   as   Mount   Ida   Lake   or   Belden’s   Pond,   in   the   city   of   Troy,   or   on   the   northerly  
side  of  Pawling  and  Pine  Woods  Avenues  adjacent  to  said  Mount  Ida  Lake  or  Belden  Pond.  
  And  your  petitioners  will  ever  pray.  
  Dated  Troy,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  10,  1913.  
Report  Adopted.  
  After  a  general  discussion  as  to  the  best  methods  of  preventing  the  reconstruction  of  
the  houses  the  report  of  the  committee  was  unanimously  adopted.    The  petition  was  signed  
by  those   present.     it  will  be   circulated   through  the   section   by   subcommittees   and   later  will  
be  presented  to  the  Mayor  and  other  city  authorities.    The  icehouse  was  recently  destroyed  
by   fire,   and   the   company   which   owns   the   site   has   expressed   a   disposition   to   sell   the  
property,   and   has   already   stated   the   figures   at   $10,000.     The   company   cuts   ice   under   an  
annual  permit  from  the  Marshall  estate  for  $300  a  year,  and  it  also  stocks  the  house  of  the  
Marshall  Sanitarium.  
“Against   Icehouses;   Meeting   of   Protest   by   the   East   Side   Improvement   League   Against   Rebuilding   Structure—The  
Resolutions  Adopted—Company  Willing  to  Sell.”  Troy  Times.  November  11,  1913.  
 
  For  the  first  time  in  a  number  of  years  the  Troy  High  School  will  be  represented  by  a  
hockey   team.     The   skaters   have   been   practicing   on   Mount   Ida   Lake   for   a   week   and   this  
afternoon   class   teams   were   picked.     In   former   years   other   High   Schools   of   the   vicinity   have  
been   anxious   to   schedule   games   with   the   High   School,   but   as   the   Institution   had   not  
entered  that  field  of  sport  during  the  last  three  years  the  invitations  had  to  be  declined.    It  
is  probable  a  good  schedule  will  be  arranged  for  this  season.  
“Troy  High  School  Notes.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  January  7,  1914:  9  col  5.  
 
  City   Engineer   Roche   has   requested   Fire   Marshal   Haynes   to   withdraw   the   permit  
issued   yesterday   to   The   Hunt   Ice   Company,   giving   it   permission   to   build   a   concrete   and  
frame  icehouse  on  Pawling  Avenue,  near  Mount  Ida  Lake.    The  City  Engineer  says  there  is  a  
provision  in  the  law  which  makes  it  compulsory  for  him  to  pass  upon  all  permits  issued  for  
buildings  intended  to  hold  heavy  materials.    Mr.  Roche  has  requested  Health  Officer  Nichols  
to   investigate   the   water   in   Mount   Ida   Lake   to   determine   whether   or   not   it   is   polluted   by  
sewage  from  Eagle  Mills  and  the  Poestenkill.    The  Fire  Marshal  was  absent  this  afternoon  
and  it  is  not  known  what  action  he  will  take.  
“Asked   to   Withdraw   Permit;   City   Engineer’s   Request   to   Fire   Marshal   With   Regard   to   Erection   of   Hunt   Company’s  
Icehouse—Engineer  Must  Pass  on  Matter.”  Troy  Times.  January  8,  1914.  
 
  Groups   of   small   boys,   who   form   swimming   parties   in   the   Poestenkill,   are   making  
themselves   a   nuisance   in   the   vicinity   of   Pawling   Avenue   and   Congress   Street   by   their  
actions.     The   boys,   on   their   return   from   the   creek,   make   raids   on   the   gardens   along   the  
Brunswick  Road  and  have  damaged  a  number  of  gardens.    The  storekeepers  in  the  vicinity  
are   also   complaining   about   the   boys,   as   it   is   almost   impossible   for   them   to   display   any  
goods   in   front   of   their   stores,   they   being   frequently   the   object   of   raids   by   the   boys.     A  
number  of  these  youngsters  make  the  practice  of  using  the  Mount  Ida  Cemetery  as  a  short  
cut  to  their  destinations,  and  while  on  their  way  through  the  place  are  not  at  all  particular  
about   the   damage   they   do.     Men   who   go   through   the   cemetery   to   fish   in   Mount   Ida   Lake  

Belding’s  Pond   10  
have  frequently  chased  the  boys  away  for  fear  the  damage  done  be  charged  to  them  and  the  
privilege  of  making  the  short  cut  through  the  cemetery  be  denied  them  as  a  consequence.  
“East  Side;  Members  of  Swimming  Parties  Cause  Much  Annoyance  and  Damage  Gardens—Fishermen  Fear  They  Will  Be  
Blamed.”  Troy  Daily  Times.  August  17,  1917.  
 
  The   residents   of   the   East   Side   were   much   surprised   this   morning   to   see   the   basin   of  
Mount   Ida   Lake   filled   with   water.     Many   thought   that   the   Marshall   dam   had   been  
completed,   but   an   investigation   showed   that   it   was   due   to   the   heavy   rains   that   have  
prevailed  for  the  last  two  days.    About  six  inches  of  water  was  flowing  over  the  top  of  the  
dam.  
“East  Side;  Basin  of  Mount  Ida  Lake  Filled  With  Water.”  Troy  Times.  November  19,  1918:  2    col  1.  
 
  The   concrete   sidewalk   extending   along   the   east   side   of   Pawling   Avenue,   along  
Mount   Ida   Lake   is   again   in   a   bad   condition.     The   earth   underneath   the   concrete   after   the  
snows   and   thaws   of   the   winter   has   sunk   away.     The   new   concrete   sidewalk   was   laid   by   the  
city   last   year,   and   it   was   thought   that   this   would   stop   the   sinking   of   the   sidewalk,   but   as  
soon  as  the  warm  weather  of  the  last  few  days  came  and  the  frost  began  to  thaw  from  the  
ground  the  walk  sank  again.  
“East  Side;  Concrete  Walk  in  Bad  Condition.”  Troy  Times.  March  24,  1920:  8  col  4.  
 
  Mount  Ida  Lake  and  environs  present  a  beautiful  appearance  nowadays,  especially  
Mount   Ida   Cemetery.     The   water   in   the   lake   is   high,   due   to   the   recent   rains,   and   many  
anglers  frequent  the  shady  spots,  and  their  efforts  are  successful,  judging  by  the  string  of  
fish   which   they   proudly   display.     The   overflow   from   the   lake   following   the   recent   storms  
added   much   to   the   scenic   beauty   of   the   rocky   defile   below   the   bridge   as   the   waters   find  
their   way   tumbling   over   the   rocks   into   the   stream   or   creek   below.     At   the   end   of   the  
Poestenkill  falls  on  the  high  rock  on  the  Congress  Street  side  at  the  file  works  there  is  a  gate  
in  the  iron  fence  which  borders  the  high  rock,  which,  according  to  Indian  legend,  is  known  
as  “Lovers’  Leap.”    This  is  the  highest  spot  at  the  “Falls”  and  affords  an  excellent  view  of  this  
beautiful   strip   of   scenic   nature.     The   idiom   “Familiarity   breeds   contempt”   is   strikingly  
illustrated  by  the  indifference  displayed  by  Trojans  to  this  wonderful  piece  of  landscape.    In  
other   parts   of   the   country   people     travel   many   miles   to   view   scenes   which   are   not   to   be  
compared  to  this  picture.    Its  beauty  has  been  frequently  admired  by  strangers  coming  to  
Troy,  and  wonder  has  been  often  expressed  at  the  lack  of  appreciation  on  the  part  of  the  
city  in  not  making  this  land  a  reservation,  so  as  to  preserve  its  natural  beauty  and  make  it  a  
place   of   interest.     Mount   Ida   Cemetery   is   now   in   fine   shape,   due   to   the   efforts   of  
Superintendent   Thomas   F.   Nevins.     The   graves   have   a   velvet-­‐like   appearance,   because   of  
the  closely  cropped  grass.    The  big  trees  are  resplendent  in  thick  foliage,  thereby  affording  
shade   to   visitors   and   workmen.     No   fallen   wood   from   the   trees   is   permitted   to   lie   on   the  
graves   or   walks,   but   is   removed   immediately   when   discovered.     The   place   has   the  
appearance  of  a  well-­‐kept  park,  with  its  old  tombstones,  some  with  inscribed  dates  of  the  
eighteenth   century.     This   old   burying   ground,   in   which   lie   so   many   of   Troy’s   dead   of   the  
early  times,  is  pleasing  to  the  eye  and  has  the  air  of  rest.  
“Wayside  Whispers.”  Troy  Times.  July  25,  1921:  11  col  4.  
 
  Belden’s  Pond,  long  a  Troy  landmark,  may  soon  become  a  memory.  

Belding’s  Pond   11  
   That   placid   pool   of   water   north   of   Pawling   Avenue   which   an   older   generation   called  
Mt.  Ida  Lake  and  which  for  years  was  Troy’s  mecca  for  summer  and  winter  sports,  has  been  
drained  and  may  not  be  filled  again.  
  With   its   draining   passes   a   spot   where   thousands   of   Trojans   have   exulted   to   the  
sighing  scrape  of  skates  on  frosty  winter  days  and  nights  and  where,  in  summer  sunshine,  
countless   young   boys   and   many   men   spent   pleasant   hours   fishing   for   bullheads   or   an  
occasional  scrappy  pickerel.  
  A   bare   trickle   of   water   flowed   along   the   Brunswick   Road   portion   of   the   pond  
yesterday   where   last   week   the   water   was   three   to   four   feet   deep.     Muddy   barrens   raised  
their  ugly  flats  on  the  other  side  of  the  pool,  where  skating  and  fishing  were  popular,  as  the  
last  of  the  trapped  water  evaporated  under  the  sun  of  a  hot  October  day.  
Public  Taking  Notice.  
  Already   the   public   is   taking   notice   of   the   passing   of   a   favorite   spot.     The   East   Side  
Association,   meeting   at   School   16,   last   night,   took   official   action   upon   the   draining   of   the  
pond.    Its  public  affairs  committee,  of  which  Frank  H.  Walker  is  chairman,  was  authorized  
to  call  upon  Mayor  Frank  J.  Hogan  asking  him  to  use  his  influence  to  preserve  a  beauty  spot  
and  a  recreation  center.  
  The   Association   said   it   had   received   many   complaints   since   the   pond   was   drained  
last  week-­‐end.     All   spoke   of   the   increasing   odor   which   arose   from   the   area   as   the   muddy  
expanse  increased.  
  The  pon  was  drained  Friday  night  and  Saturday.    Flow  gates  controlling  the  quantity  
of   water   in   the   Poestenkill   which   created   and   fed   Belden’s   Pond,   were   closed   and   the  
spillway  gates  on  the  dam  opposite  the  site  of  the  old  Earl  and  Wilson  collar  factory  were  
opened.  
State  Saves  Fish.  
  Within  a  few  hours  water  levels  dropped.    State  Conservation  officials  were  on  hand  
to  save  whatever  game  fish  were  trapped  in  the  deeper  pools,  and  to  prevent  a  wholesale  
slaughter  of  the  imprisoned  fish.  
  The   draining   was   done   at   the   joint   order   of   officials   of   the   John   A.   Manning   Paper  
Co.,  Cluett,  Peabody  &  Co.,  Inc.,  and  the  Marshall  Estate  three  groups  which  own  some  part  
of  the  area  involved.  
  The  original  intention  was  to  remove  the  dam  without  delay,  but  for  some  reason,  
giving   rise   to   hope   that   the   pond   may   yet   be   saved,   work   has   been   delayed.     Officials   of   the  
concerns   involved   were   reluctant   to   discuss   the   project  but   it   was   indicated   that   a   decision  
on   the   fate   of   the   dam,   and   with   it   the   fate   of   the   pond   and   skating   and   fishing,   might   be  
expected  within  a  week.  
  Lawsuits,   filed   by   property   owners   along   the   Poestenkill   after   their   property   had  
been  inundated  by  flood  water  are  said  to  have  caused  the  decision  to  eliminate  the  dam.    It  
was  charged  in  the  suits  that,  before  the  dam  arrested  the  flow  of  the  creek,  there  had  been  
no  flood  danger.  
History  of  Site.  
  Just  when  the  creek  was  damaged  at  that  point,  a  short  distance  above  the  Farnam  
fire  house,  no  one  could  say.    The  present  dam  has  been  in  existence  at  least  16  years  and  it  
replaced  an  older  and  smaller  structure  that  had  been  at  that  point  for  many  years.  
  The  pent-­‐up  water  provided  a  source  of  power  which  whirled  the  turbines  in  the  old  
Earl   and   Wilson   plant,   and   also   the   factory   of   the   old   file   works.     When   both   plants  

Belding’s  Pond   12  
discontinued  using  water  power,  the  water  rights  were  sought  by  the  Manning  concern  to  
abet  their  generating  plant  farther  downstream  at  the  foot  of  Cypress  Street.  
  Earl  and  Wilson  interests  were  purchased  by  Cluett,  Peabody  &  Co  .  which  ordered  
demolition  of  the  old  factory  two  years  ago.    The  Marshall  Estate  is  said  to  have  acquired  its  
holdings   of   the   flat   lands   later   covered   by   water   from   the   original   Belden   family   whose  
name  the  pond  bears.  
  There   was   nothing   definite   obtainable   as   to   ownership   and   future   prospects  
yesterday.     A   trio   of   workmen   already   had   razed   the   wooden   shed   which   enclosed   the   pipe  
line  spillway  but  they  had  no  orders  concerning  the  dam.  
  But   where   Belden’s   Pond   had   been   last   week,   the   water   broken   up   by   islands   of  
willow  trees,  only  a  muddy  waste  greeted  the  eye—mud  and  a  small  pool  of  water  rapidly  
drying  up.  
Snyder,   Joseph   R.   “Water   Drained   at   Belden’s   Pond   to   End   Lawsuits;   Fate   of   Popular   Pool   Hangs   in   Balance   as   Officials  
Weigh  Problem;  Petition  Mayor.”  Times  Record.  October  11,  1939:  7  col  3.  
 
  When   the   city   of   Troy   acquired   title   to   Belden’s   Pond   recently   to   preserve   it   as   a  
beauty   spot   and   winter   recreation   center,   it   marked   the   closing   of   a   chapter   in   Troy’s  
history,  the  age  of  water  power  synonymous  with  Troy’s  growth  in  the  Nineteenth  Century.  
  That   was   a   period   when   the   hectic   expansion   of   industry   earned   for   Troy   the   title  
“Little  Pittsburg.”    All,  or  nearly  all  that  expansion  hinged  upon  abundant  water  power  from  
the   Poestenkill   because   the   water   rights   along   the   Wynantskill   were   almost   completely  
taken  by  the  vast  Burden  interests.  
  Belden’s  Pond  came  into  existence  as  a  major  factor  in  that  development.    Today,  the  
only   reminder   of   the   original   importance   of   that   dammed-­‐up   water   is   a   clause   in   the  
property   deeds   surrendered   by   each   of   the   four   former   owners   of   the   pond,   reserving  
water  rights  equal  to  normal  flow  of  the  Poestenkill.  
Power  Needs  Gone  For  Good.  
  There  is  little  chance,  from  present  outlook,  that  the  Poestenkill  ever  again  will  be  
harnessed   for   power.     Only   last   fall   the   four   owners   were   on   the   verge   of   tearing   out   the  
dam  which  formed  the  pond.    Maintenance  expense  and  the  inconvenience  of  lawsuits  for  
flood  damage  were  given  as  reasons.  
  No   longer   was   there   need   of   impounding   water,   for   the   creek   flow   was   used   by  
several   of   the   former   owners   only   for   “washing   purposes”   in   their   manufacturing  
processes,   not   for   power.     The   rights   contained   in   the   water   flow   clause   will   protect   that  
need.  
  The   consideration   of   plans   to   rip   out   the   dam   east   of   the   Farnam   Steamer   house,  
aroused  the  storm  of  protest,  much  of  it  led  by  the  East  Side  Association,  that  eventually  led  
to  municipal  ownership  of  the  pond.  
Facts  Obscured.  
  Just  when  and  how  water  power  along  the  Poestenkill  was  developed  and  Belden’s  
Pond  came  into  being  is  difficult  to  determine.    There  are  mentions  of  “mill  seals,”  dams  and  
water  rights  dating  all  the  way  back  to  the  Van  Rensselaers  and  the  Van  Derheydens,  but  
there  is  such  a  crisscross  of  leases,  sales,  repurchases,  transfers,  rentals  and  other  “deals”  
that  the  facts  are  obscured,  even  in  the  minds  of  historians  and  title-­‐searching  attorneys.  
  This  much  appears  certain.    Manufacturing  based  on  water  power  is  almost  as  old  as  
Troy  as  far  as  the  Poestenkill  is  concerned,  but  the  later  large  development  of  both  power  

Belding’s  Pond   13  
and   manufacturing   seems   to   have   hinged   upon   the   planning   and   work   of   one   Benjamin  
Marshall,  a  canny  Englishman,  whom  most  Trojans  recall  only  as  the  founder  of  Marshall’s  
Sanitarium.  
  Way  back  in  the  1600’s  when  Van  Rensselaer  the  patron  marked  out  his  land  grant  
into   a   series   of   leased   farms   to   be   developed   out   of   a   virgin   wilderness   by   the   hard-­‐headed  
and  methodical  Dutch,  there  was  a  strip  along  Hudson’s  River  that  was  treeless,  level  and  
known  as  the  “Great  Meadow.”  
Development  Begun  in  1659.  
  That   meadow   went   undeveloped   until   about   1659   when   one   Jan   Barentsen   W?  
decided   to   carve   a   home   out   of   the   wilderness   which   until   that   time   was   the   meeting   place  
of  Indian  tribesmen.    He  lived  there  only  ten  years  before  death  cut  short  a  pioneer’s  work.  
  From  his  widow’s  hands,  the  land  went  into  the  possession  of  Sweer  Theunissen  Val  
Velsoen  who,  in  1669,  seems  to  have  fathered  the  idea  of  harnessing  the  water  power  of  the  
Poestenkill.     He   built   a   sawmill   at   a   point   where   the   land   leveled   out   and   at   a   spot   believed  
to  be  the  present  site  of  Ruff’s  Mill  at  the  end  of  Hill  Street.  
  That  time,  too,  brought  about  the  naming  of  that  tumbling,  turbulent  stream  with  its  
unharnessed   power.     But   just   what   the   origin   of   the   name   “Poestenkill”   was,   is   a   matter   for  
much  conjecture.    All  the  authorities  disagree.  
  One   source   says   that   when   Van   Velsoen   arrived,   his   surname   really   was   “Poest,”   a  
term   latter   dropped.     His   work   and   his   mill   gradually   led   to   the   term   Poestenkill   as   the  
name  for  the  stream  this  source  chronicled.  
Possible  Sources  Of  Name.  
  Another   claims   that   Van   Velsoen’s   mill   devoted   much   time   to   turning   out   an  
excellent  grade  of  wooden  posts,  for  fences,  homes,  barns,  etc.,  and  that  “Poesten”  is  Dutch  
for  posts,  hence  the  name  Poestenkill,  (kill  meaning  creek).  
  Number   three   alleges   that   “Poesten”   is   the   Dutch   word   for   swineherd   and   that,  
because   the   creek   was   used   by   hinterland   swineheds   to   water   their   animals,   it   achieved   its  
name.  
  Last   on   the   list   is   Sylvester,   the   historian,   who   believes   that   “Poesten”   in   Dutch  
meant  “foaming  water”  an  apt  title  in  view  of  the  falls  and  lower  rapids,  and  that  this  term  
evidently  became  the  name  of  the  creek.  
  Van  Velsoen’s  mill,  as  the  outstanding  spot  on  the  meadow  for  years,  was  the  central  
measuring  point  for  all  land  transactions  of  that  period.  
  That  mill  was  only  the  starter.    The  Dutch  started  the  settlement  and  small  owners  
attracted  larger  and  wealthier  ones.    VanDerheyden  acquired  his  large  tracts.    As  business  
progressed,   the   prospects   drew   canny   New   Englanders.     They   came   by   ox   team   through  
savage   wilderness   and   forests   or   else   by   boat   along   the   coast   and   up   the   Hudson.     Some  
were   attracted   by   the   land   and   cleared   farms   in   the   hinterland,   regardless   of   the   danger  
from  Indians.    Others  took  up  business  and  the  rest,  manufacturing.  
Mills  Speed  Eastward.  
  Slowly   the   mills   spread   eastward   along   the   Poestenkill.     Someone,   there   is   no  
definite   indication   pointing   to   one   special   person,   decided   to   harness   the   stream   above   the  
falls.  
  Small   dams   and   small   mills   were   there   before   1800.     There   is   one   record   of   land  
adjoining  the  creek  sold  to  Manlon  Taylor  in  1792  by  the  Vanderheydens.    Dam  and  water  

Belding’s  Pond   14  
rights  were  mentioned  in  that  transaction.    That  was  just  after  Rensselaer  County  became  a  
fact.    Before  that  time  the  territory  was  Rensselaerwyck,  a  part  of  Albany  County.  
  Taylor’s  dam  furnished  the  power  for  a  paper  mill  operated  by  Charles  R.  Webster  
and  A.  Seymour  Ensign,  the  forerunner  of  the  Peckham  and  Manning  Mill,  and  later  the  John  
A.  Manning  Paper  Co.    Taylor  himself  operated  a  small  sawmill  but  the  location  is  a  matter  
of  guesswork.  
  So  things  went  along,  a  new  century  was  started  and  manufacturing,  although  small,  
went   on   apace.     Then   came   the   War   of   1812,   and   after   it,   the   high   tariffs   against   English  
goods.    That  brought  Benjamin  Marshall  into  the  picture.  
  Marshall  had  been  a  cloth  manufacturer  in  England  who  found  the  expanding  United  
States   a   fertile   market.     So   vast   did   his   business   become   that   he   eventually   operated   a  
packet   ship   line   between   England   and   New   York,   one   which   operated   on   a   clockwork  
schedule  equal  to  that  of  any  modern  liner.    But  the  war  ruined  all  that,  including  Marshall’s  
business.  
Came  to  United  States  After  War.  
  Possibly   a   year   after   the   war   ended,   he   came   to   the   United   States.     Steam   was   an  
infant   and   mills   everywhere   located   where   water   power   was   to   be   had.     With   New   York  
State  as  his  objective,  he  first  established  a  mill  in  Utica.    Something  had  to  take  the  place  of  
the  packets  and  the  Manchester,  England  mill.  
  For   some   reason,   the   Utica   site   did   not   please   him,   but   the   prospects   in   Troy   did.    
The   exact   year   he   came   is   in   doubt.     In   fact,   as   late   as   1840   one   historian   mentioned   the  
presence  of  large  Mt.  Ida  Mills  run  by  “a  New  York  interest.    Little  is  known  of  the  owner.”  
  Behind  the  scenes  it  was  different.    Marshall  realized  the  value  of  the  Poestenkill’s  
water  power  and  determined  to  do  something  about  it.    What  he  did  was  to  make  himself  
one  of  the  major  pioneers  in  the  textile  history  of  the  U.S.  
  Slowly  he  started  to  acquire  title  to  the  watershed.    There  is  a  record  of  1825  when  
he  purchased  the  “upper  mill  seat”  from  Isaac  Merrit.    Surrounding  land  he  secured  from  
other  owners,  including  the  heirs  of  the  original  Van  Rensselaer.  
  His   task   took   him   not   only   to   the   outskirts   of   Troy,   but   right   through   to   Grafton   and  
Poestenkill.    So  complete  was  his  hold  upon  water  rights  that,  when  the  City  of  Troy  sought  
the   Quackenkill   and   Dunham   ponds   for   its   water   supply   reservoirs,   the   titles   were  
purchased  from  the  Marshall  Estate.  
Industrial  Empire  Began.  
  Then  started  the  industrial  empire  of  Marshall.    To  bring  his  water  power  just  where  
he  wanted  it,  he  ordered  construction  of  a  tunnel  through  the  solid  rock  starting  at  the  side  
of  the  old  Earl  and  Wilson  factory,  down  to  the  mill  buildings.    That  tunnel  was  the  marvel  
of  its  day,  an  engineering  feat  discussed  throughout  the  world.    It  exists  to  this  day,  under  
buildings  and  under  Congress  Street.  
  As   manufacturing   increased,   more   water   was   needed   for   power.     The   dam   height  
was  increased  and  a  larger  area,  eventually  to  become  22  acres,  was  flooded.  
  The  flat  meadow  at  that  time  was  owned  by  one  Daniel  or  Dennis  Belding.    Belding’s  
Meadow  became  Belding’s  Pond,  later  Beldon’s  and  today,  Belden’s.  
  Of  Marshall’s  work—well,  the  mills  he  created  still  stand.    he  leased  mill  space,  sold  
ground  and  waterpower,  repurchased  and  resold,  eventually  to  become  a  financial  power  
in  Troy.  

Belding’s  Pond   15  
   Likewise,   he   showed   interest   in   church   and   civic   affairs.     He   founded   Marshall’s  
Sanitarium,  originally  a  haven  for  aged  and  indigent  workmen.    That  was  but  one  outward  
mark  of  his  many  philanthropies.  
Meadow  Disappeared.  
  Belden’s   Pond   started   something   different.     Although   entirely   a   storage   place  
needed   by   the   demands   of   water   power,   it   meant   something   to   Trojans.     As   the   meadow  
was   flooded,   about   1840,   the   waters   backed   up   to   a   portion   of   New   Mt.   Ida   Cemetery  
known  as  the  “St.  Peter’s  Burying  Ground.”    It  is  believed  that  the  graves  were  removed  to  
St.  Mary’s  Cemetery.  
  The  meadow  disappeared  and  with  it,  landmarks  of  the  city’s  eastern  boundary.    The  
high  point  of  rock  in  the  Cemetery  at  the  water’s  edge  became  a  measuring  point.  
  Trojans  found  the  pond  of  additional  benefit.    George  Hunt  used  it  to  supply  the  ice  
for  his  ice  house  bordering  on  Pawling  Avenue.    That  was  the  sole  business.  
  Winters  it  was  the  skater’s  haven,  just  as  it  is  today.    Residents  from  all  parts  of  the  
city   used   to   swim   in   the   summer.     Scores   of   boats,   canoes   and   rowboats   and   even   an  
occasional   small   sailboat,   were   kept   there   by   private   residents.     There   was   activity   every  
day  of  the  year.  
  Time   changed   all   that.     Each   spring’s   flood   water   brought   down   tons   of   silt   from  
hinterland   hills   and   farms.     The   bottom   was   built   up   slowly   until   the   water   became   too  
shallow  for  swimming.  
Boats  Pushed  Into  Discard.  
  “Cat’s   tails”   began   to   show   their   fuzzy   fronds   above   the   water’s   surface   so   the  
sailboats,   becoming   crowded,   disappeared.     Eventually   small   islands   poked   their   noses  
above  the  surface.    Grass  and  weeds  took  hold  and  finally  the  seeds  of  willow  trees.    Shortly  
after  the  turn  of  the  Twentieth  Century,  all  forms  of  boating  disappeared,  except  those  of  
fishermen.  
  Few   persons   can   recall   the   days   when   the   Poestenkill   was   a   meandering   stream  
with   its   course   over   near   Pawling   Avenue.     As   the   height   of   the   dam   was   increased   the  
stream   changed   more   toward   the   center.     The   islands   made   other   changes   and   sent   one  
arm  of  water  over  near  Brunswick  Road.    The  original  course  became  a  backwater  riffle.  
  Today   the   course   is   more   shallow   still.     Unless   something   is   done,   the   islands   will  
form  solid  land  connected  through  what  still  is  water  covered.    But  the  skating  and  fishing  
remain   assured.     Water   power   is   gone.     So   are   the   Marshalls,   the   Peckhams,   Merrits   and   all  
the  rest.    But  the  use  to  which  most  Trojans  put  the  pond,  recreation,  will  continue.  
Snyder,  Joseph  R.  “Purchase  By  City  Of  Belden’s  Pond  Recalls  Old  Times.”  Times  Record.  April  12,  1940:  23  cols  
1-­‐7.  
 
  The  proposals  endorsed  by  the  alliance  would:  
  Dredge,   dyke,   bulkhead,   dam   and   clear   to   make   useful   Mt.   Ida   Lake,   for  
boating,  swimming,  skating  and  beneficial  uses,  thus  restoring  the  lake  by  dredging  
back  into  the  dykes  the  silt  deposited  into  the  pool.  
  Design   and   convert   the   old   Lansingburgh   Waterworks   property   consisting   of  
three   lakes   and   forty   acres   of   land   into   a   North   End   Recreation   area   erecting  
thereon   suitable   shelters,   comfort   station,   paths   and   drives   and   picnic   areas   and  
making  the  property  in  general  into  a  park  and  playground.  

Belding’s  Pond   16  
   Construct   bulkheads   along   the   banks   of   the   Poestenkill   to   protect   public  
highways  flanking  the  creek.  
  The  next  meeting  of  the  alliance  will  be  conducted  Oct.  15  when  the  county  group  
will  be  entertained  by  the  Brunswick  Sportsmen’s  Club.  
“Many   Pheasants   Liberated   Here   by   Local   Clubs;   County   Conservation   Alliance   Endorses   Postwar   Proposals.”   Times  
Record.  September  24,  1945:  18  col  6-­‐7.  
 
  Restoration   of   the   wooden   dam   on   the   Poestenkill   off   Brunswick   road   which  
impounds  the  water  of  Belden’s  Pond  was  completed  around  7  p.m.  yesterday.  
  The   dam,   was   damaged   by   huge   ice   floes   in   mid-­‐January,   lowering   the   level   of   the  
pond  by  12  feet  and  making  it  impossible  for  Troy  residents  to  enjoy  skating  there  for  the  
remainder  of  the  winter.  
  At   7:30   a.m.   today   city   workers   opened   the   temporary   sluice   gates   and   began   the  
process   of   filling   up   the   pond.     it   is   expected   that   it   will   take   two   to   three   days   for   the   pond  
to  be  filled  to  its  normal  capacity.  
  The   gates   at   Dyking   Pond   were   also   opened   to   hasten   the   flow   of   water.     It   was  
stated  that  the  flow  of  water  is  expected  to  back  up  about  one-­‐fourth  of  a  mile  which  may  
result  in  the  flooding  of  some  property  in  the  vicinity  of  the  pond.  
  Work  on  the  pond  was  done  at  a  cost  of  $16,000  by  the  Dobert  Construction  Co.  
“Restoration  of  Dam  At  Belden’s  Pond  Complete.”  Times  Record.  September  5,  1959:  17  cols  7-­‐8.  
 
  Belden’s   Pond,   winter   favorite   of   Troy   ice   skaters,   is   having   its   biggest   handicap  
corrected.  
  The  pond,  hub  of  the  city’s  winter  recreation  program,  will  have  a  new  set  of  stairs  
leading  down  to  the  skating  rink,  an  improvement  long  advocated.  
  The  steep,  96-­‐step  stairway  which  has  long  been  used  by  the  patrons  of  the  rink  is  
being  junked  in  favor  of  a  24-­‐step  stairway,  west  of  the  old  site.  
  This   is   the   major   improvement   which   is   being   made   to   make   it   more   convenient   for  
the   residents   of   Troy   to   enjoy   the   skating   facilities,   William   A.   Carley,   superintendent   of  
recreation,  said.  
  The   new   stairway   is   almost   at   the   point   of   Beldon’s   Pond   which   adjoins   Mt.   Ida  
Cemetery.     There   has   been   a   wide   path   cleared   from   the   foot   of   this   stairway   to   the   skating  
house.     This   will   be   covered   with   cinders   and   other   similar   material   to   keep   it   from  
becoming  muddy  or  too  icy.  
  Wire  lines  above  the  new  stairway  site  and  guy  wires  for  poles  are  being  raised  so  
that  they  will  not  interfere  with  the  persons  making  use  of  the  stairway.  
  The  old  stairway  is  being  dismantled.  
  The   skating   house,   where   patrons   of   the   rink   check   their   shoes,   was   the   victim   of  
vandalism  in  the  summer  months  but  is  being  restored.  
  Windows  which  had  been  removed  from  the  building  and  stored  inside  to  prevent  
any  such  vandalism  were  still  broken.    They  were  stored  near  the  ceiling  but  were  ripped  
down  and  shattered.  
  The   shattering   of   the   dam   on   the   Poestenkill   last   winter   by   ice   floes   forced  
interruption  of  skating.    The  city  spent  more  than  $16,000  to  restore  the  dam  and  the  water  
level  of  Belden’s  was  returned  to  normal.  

Belding’s  Pond   17  
   During  the  interval  the  water  was  gone  tall  weeds  sprouted.    City  crews  were  unable  
to  get  equipment  into  the  pond  area  to  cut  the  weeds  before  the  water  was  returned,  both  
because  of  the  terrain  and  because  of  the  softness  of  the  loam  would  not  permit  footing  for  
cutting  machinery.  
  In  order  to  remove  the  weeds,  the  city  will  wait  until  the  pond  freezes  over.    They  
will  then  cut  the  weeds  and  flood  the  pond  over,  freezing  it  over  until  the  stumps  of  the  cut  
weeds  are  covered.  
“Belden’s  Pond  Skating  Rink  Improved  For  New  Season.”  Times  Record.  December  10,  1959:  4  cols  1-­‐2.  
 

Belding’s  Pond   18  
   The  steep,  96-­‐step  stairway  which  long  has  been  used  to  reach  the  skating  area  at  
Belden’s  Pond,  shown  in  the  lower  photo,  is  being  ripped  out,  in  favor  of  a  24-­‐step  stairway  
further  west,  near  the  boundary  of  the  Mt.  Ida  Cemetery.    In  the  upper  photo,  Frank  Vetters,  
assistant  superintendent  of  recreation,  inspects  the  site  for  the  new  stairway,  construction  
of   which   began   this   week.     In   the   lower   photo,   Superintendent   of   Recreation   William   A.  
Carley,  Mr.  Vetters  and  Billy  Harrell,  assistant  superintendent,  inspect  the  stairway  which  is  
to  be  dismantled.  
“Belden’s  Gets  New  Look.”  Times  Record.  December  10,  1959:  4  cols  3-­‐5.  
 
  A   newly   formed   neighborhood   association   is   so   dedicated   to   saving   Beldon   Pond  
that   they're   willing   to   repair   a   broken   dam   on   the   Poesten   Kill   in   their   spare   time.   For   free.  
But   the   city   has   some   concerns   about   that.   “We   just   want   to   patch   the   dam   up   and   get   it  
through   the   winter   until   the   city   has   enough   money   to   fix   it   permanently,”   Brent   Caird,  
president  of  the  Mount  Ida  Preservation  Association,  said  Saturday  morning.  
  Two   dozen   members   of   the   group   gathered   at   9   a.m.   at   the   Woodstock   Pub   on  
Brunswick  Road  to  discuss  their  plan  of  action.  They  had  hoped  to  spend  the  day  shoring  
up  the  dam  with  sandbags  donated  from  the  National  Guard,  but  they  were  afraid  any  work  
they  might  do  would  be  torn  down  by  the  city  or  the  state  Department  of  Environmental  
Conservation.  
  “We  already  patched  it  last  weekend,  with  a  plastic  tarp,  dirt  and  wood,  just  to  see  if  
we  could,”  said  Miles  Blakeborough,  an  association  member.  “The  storm  broke  through  that  
though.”  
  City  officials  have  warned  the  group  not  to  patch  the  dam,  citing  a  July  25  letter  from  
the  DEC  that  advised  against  “all  impromptu  attempts  to  plug  the  breach,  for  public  safety”  
  But  the  letter  also  urged  fixing  the  dam  quickly  because  sediment  is  contaminating  
water  downstream  in  violation  of  water-­‐quality  regulations.  
  Home   to   herons   and   a   family   of   ducks,   Beldon   Pond   offers   good   fishing,   but   since  
June,   it   has   been   reduced   to   an   oversize   puddle.   Plants   are   growing   in   the   prime   fishing  
holes  and  by  winter  there  won't  be  any  water  left  to  freeze  for  skating,  said  Margaret  Cates,  
the  association's  vice  president.  
  Her  group  says  the  pond,  located  behind  the  Masonic  Temple  on  Brunswick  Road,  is  
part   of   the   fabric   of   Troy   and   should   be   fixed   right   away   -­‐-­‐   even   if   only   temporarily.   “We're  
afraid   that   if   this   isn't   fixed,   and   the   pond   dries   up   totally,   the   city   will   never   put   up   the  
money  to  fix  it,”  Cates  said.  
  Deputy  Mayor  James  Conroy,  who  grew  up  ice  skating  on  the  pond,  said  the  city  is  
trying  to  figure  out  how  to  fix  the  dam  permanently  and  as  soon  as  possible.  
  Troy  received  some  estimates  for  fixing  the  silt  gate  or  putting  in  a  concrete  dam  at  
a  cost  of  $50,000  in  materials  alone.  
  “We   don't   want   to   spend   even   $10,000   on   repairing   the   dam   if   there   is   the   potential  
of  a  $20,000  problem  somewhere  else,”  Conroy  said.  
  In  the  end,  the  group  settled  Saturday  on  cleaning  up  trash  that  the  receding  water  
had  left  exposed.  They  filled  bag  after  bag  with  tires,  broken  beer  bottles,  rusty  chairs,  old  
shoes  and  soggy  paper.  The  city  had  agreed  to  haul  everything  the  group  collected  to  the  
dump   on   Monday,   a   sign   of   good   will,   Cates   said,   that   city   officials   do   care   about   the   pond's  
fate.  

Belding’s  Pond   19  
   Blakeborough   said   stressed   that   action   must   be   taken   soon   to   save   an   important  
piece  of  the  city's  history.  
  “I  fished  here  when  I  was  a  boy,  and  I  fish  here  with  my  kids,”  he  said  during  a  break  
from   hauling   garbage   Saturday   afternoon.   “I   hope   I'll   be   able   to   fish   here   with   my  
grandkids.”  
Benjamin,   Elizabeth   and   Tim   O’Brien.   “Piece   of   History   in   Danger.”   Albany   Times   Union.   August   10,   1997.  
http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=5877545  
 
  For  six  hours  in  the  dead  of  night,  they  fought  the  currents  and  disobeyed  the  city  to  
plug  a  broken  dam  that  had  caused  Beldon  Pond  to  lose  almost  all  its  water.  Upset  with  the  
city   for   its   failure   to   repair   the   dam   since   it   broke   in   June,   the   group   of   neighborhood  
residents   decided   to   disobey   city   officials   and   the   state   Department   of   Environmental  
Conservation.   From   10   p.m.   Tuesday   to   4   a.m.   Wednesday,   they   laid   tarp   and   placed  
plywood   over   the   hole   in   the   dam,   securing   it   with   sandbags,   to   restore   the   popular   fishing  
and  ice-­‐skating  spot.  
  The   residents   became   frustrated   because   the   city   had   not   responded   to   a   DEC   letter  
telling   it   to   fix   the   dam.   The   same   letter,   however,   also   cautioned   Troy   not   to   allow  
residents  to  make  any  temporary  fixes  without  a  permit.  The  letter  set  a  deadline  of  Aug.  12  
for  the  city  to  act.  
  “We  first  got  involved  because  it's  a  way  of  life  up  there  for  over  150  years,”  said  one  
of  the  participants,  who  spoke  on  condition  of  anonymity.  “For  that  pond  to  go  dry,  you'd  
lose  something  you'd  never  get  back.”  
  Last  Saturday,  residents  removed  tires,  bottles,  broken  chairs  and  other  debris  from  
the  pond.  
  “As   we   walked   over   the   pond,   grown   men   were   sinking   into   the   muck,”   the  
participant  said.  Neighbors  worried  a  child  could  get  stuck,  panic  and  be  pulled  under  the  
muck.  
  Deputy   Mayor   James   Conroy   said   the   city   will   not   immediately   remove   their  
temporary  fix.  
  “It's  not  a  life-­‐threatening  situation  so  we'll  leave  it  as  is.  But  anything  they've  done  
will  have  to  be  redone,”  Conroy  said.  “They  have  not  helped  the  situation.  They  put  the  city,  
I  believe,  in  greater  jeopardy  not  only  with  DEC  but  with  a  long-­‐term  solution.  We  had  been  
in  negotiations  with  a  number  of  suppliers  about  the  possibility  of  donating  supplies  to  fix  
the  dam.”  
  DEC  spokesman  Gary  Sheffer  said  the  city  will  not  be  fined  and  expressed  concern  
about   the   residents’   action.   “It's   not   really   a   smart   thing   to   do   either,   to   go   in   and   jury-­‐rig   a  
dam   like   this,”   he   said.   “What   you're   doing   is   building   up   water   behind   a   dam   that   is   not  
engineered  properly.”  
  Ward   Stone,   DEC   wildlife   pathologist,   said   a   message   came   to   his   office   after   the  
renegade  residents  repaired  the  dam.  
  “Sometimes   things   like   this   lead   to   the   final   action   being   taken,”   Stone   said.  
“Obviously,  the  bags  won't  do  the  job.  An  engineer  will  have  to  look  at  it  and  professionally  
repair  the  dam.”  
  Stone  said  he  realized  the  residents  know  the  city  has  no  money  and  they  wanted  to  
preserve  the  natural  habitat.  

Belding’s  Pond   20  
   “It's  hard  to  discourage  this  kind  of  interest  in  the  environment,”  he  said.  “But  you  
do   need   a   permit   to   build   a   dam.   This   is   a   step   in   the   right   direction,   but   proper  
construction  needs  to  be  done  to  get  it  to  hold.”  
  Staff  writer  Elizabeth  Benjamin  contributed  to  this  report.  
O'Brien,   Tim.   "Renegade   residents   restore   their   pond."   Albany   Times   Union.   August   16,   1997:   B12.  
http://alb.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=5878473  
 
 
  Beldon  Pond  in  Troy  is  a  weedy  pit  that  used  to  measure  20-­‐feet-­‐deep.  
  A  few  feet  north,  the  Poestenkill  Dam  used  to  sort  silt  from  water  gushing  down  and  
over  its  barrier.  But  the  dam  broke  in  1996  and  now  bears  a  center  gap  from  which  a  thin  
stream   of   water   trickles   through.   Local   environmental   groups   convened   at   Mt.   Ida  
cemetery   Saturday   to   inform   neighbors   and   passersby   of   the   plight   of   the   river   and   the  
dam,  and  to  call  for  renewed  efforts  by  the  mayor  to  aid  their  restoration  cause.  
  Mayor  Mark  Pattison  has  said  he  is  committed  to  a  project  that  would  enhance  all  of  
the  Mt.  Ida  area,  including  the  dam  and  the  pond,  and  would  create  trails  that  would  lead  
from   Prospect   Park   to   the   improved   Beldon   Pond   area.   But   members   of   the   Mt.   Ida  
Preservation  Association  questioned  the  mayor's  commitment  to  restoring  the  pond,  once  a  
haven  for  ice  skaters  in  the  winter,  and  expressed  their  frustrations  that  the  restoration  of  
the  pond  may  not  come  soon  enough,  if  at  all.  
  “He's   telling   us,   a   neighborhood   group,   that   we   don't   matter,   that   the   City   Council  
doesn't   matter,”   said   Miles   Blakeborough,   vice   president   of   the   Mount   Ida   Preservation  
Association.  
  Last  month,  the  council  adopted  a  resolution  designating  the  area  surrounding  the  
pond  as  city  parkland,  and  calling  for  the  reconstruction  of  the  dam,  the  re-­‐establishment  of  
a   channel   that   would   feed   from   Poestenkill   Creek   into   the   pond,   and   the   removal   of   silt  
from  the  pond,  in  order  to  sustain  a  healthy  ecosystem.  
  Funding   for   the   pond   project   has   not   been   confirmed   yet,   although   the   city   has  
appropriated   $90,000   from   its   capital   funds   for   the   project,   and   a   $285,000   grant   for  
Poestenkill  Gorge  could  apply  to  the  Beldon  Pond  area.  
  However,  Mercer  Industries,  a  hydrodam  which  depends  on  the  water  of  Poestenkill  
Creek   for   its   electricity,   has   given   the   city   a   no-­‐interest   $60,000   loan   to   put   a   temporary  
patch   in   the   broken   dam.   As   a   result,   Mt.   Ida   members   claim   that   the   mayor   is   only  
committed   to   temporarily   patching   up   the   pond,   and   not   all   aspects   of   the   resolution   as  
adopted  by  the  City  Council.  
  Mayor  Pattison  disagrees.  
  “They're   frustrated   because   it's   taken   us   some   time   to   get   to   where   we   are   right  
now,”  said  Pattison  of  the  neighborhood  groups.  “The  city  of  Troy  three  years  ago  was  the  
most   financially   distressed   city   in   the   country.   It's   a   miracle   today   that   we   are   thinking  
about  reclaiming  dams  and  natural  habitats,”  he  said.  
Labbe,   Theola   S.   "Groups   press   for   Mt.   Ida   project."   Albany   Times   Union.   September   12,   1999   E5.  
http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=5946271  
 
  A  footbridge  now  being  planned  will  not  only  help  link  Prospect  Park  to  Mount  Ida  
Lake  but  also  will  be  a  link  to  the  city's  past.  The  project  to  build  a  recreational  pedestrian  
trail   through   the   Poestenkill   Gorge   is   now   being   planned   by   the   city   of   Troy,   Laberge  
Engineering  and  David  Hawley,  director  of  Rensselaer  County  Cooperative  Extension.  The  

Belding’s  Pond   21  
footbridge  connecting  the  central  and  east  sides  of  Troy  would  replace  one  that  existed  in  
the  1880s.  
  The  planned  work  will  allow  pedestrians  to  walk  from  downtown  Troy  through  the  
Poestenkill  Gorge  across  the  footbridge  to  finish  at  the  Mount  Ida  Lake  Dam.  
  “I   think   we've   got   an   untapped   resource   people   don't   know   about,”   Hawley   said.    
“The   city   of   Troy   has   a   natural   jewel   sitting   right   in   the   middle   of   it,   and   not   many   Troy  
citizens  know  about  it.”  
  The   bridge   will   be   built   through   a   grant   from   the   state   Environmental   Bond  
Act/Environmental   Protection   Fund.   The   grant,   received   after   Hawley   completed   an  
application   for   it,   will   provide   $245,000   in   cash.   The   city   of   Troy   must   provide   an   equal  
amount  in  services  and  land  value.  
  The   bridge   itself   should   cost   some   $200,000   and   should   be   completed   by   late  
summer,  Hawley  said.  It  will  enable  people  in  wheelchairs  or  parents  with  strollers  to  view  
the  Gorge.  
  “On  the  south  side  of  the  Poestenkill  Gorge,  there  is  a  small  park  developed  in  the  
late   1970s,   early   1980s,”   Hawley   said.   The   park   has   railroad-­‐tie   steps   that   are   not  
accessible,  and  those  will  be  replaced.  
  “We  want  to  open  up  the  vista  for  the  people  who  didn't  or  couldn't  go  before,”  he  
said.  
  A  second  project  will  create  a  walking  path  of  just  under  2  miles  from  the  area  by  
the  Prospect  Park  pool  down  the  face  of  Mount  Ida  and  ending  at  Beldon  Pond.  
  Friends  and  neighbors  will  be  needed  to  help  build  the  paths  and  trails.  Hawley  is  
hopeful   the   path   will   be   walkable   by   the   end   of   next   summer,   with   markers   and   cleanup  
completely  finished  within  two  years.  
  The   project   originated   from   the   Friends   of   Prospect   Park,   a   community   group  
devoted  to  restoring  and  improving  the  historic  park,  and  Hawley  was  asked  to  write  the  
grant  application  by  Neil  J.  Kelleher,  chairman  of  the  Rensselaer  County  Legislature.  
  Anyone  seeking  information  can  contact  Hawley  at  272-­‐4210.  
O'Brien,   Tim.   "Proposed   footbridge   seen   linking   Troy's   past,   future."   Albany  Times  Union.   December   10,   1999:  
F3.  
  http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=5961506  
 
  Troy   A   member   of   the   Rensselaer   County   Legislature   is   urging   that   city-­‐owned  
property   around   Belden   Pond,   located   in   the   Mount   Ida   part   of   the   city,   be   formally  
designated  as  park  land.  
  Legislator   Laura   Bauer,   R-­‐Troy,   said   the   declaration   would   help   the   city   and   state  
qualify   for   grants   that   would   fund   preservation   and   improvements   to   the   area.   In   a  
prepared   statement,   Bauer   said   the   designation   also   would   “clearly   demonstrate   the  
intention   to   preserve   these   properties,   along   with   officially   declaring   these   properties   as  
parks  open  to  all  the  people  of  our  city.”  
  Bauer  has  written  to  members  of  the  City  Council  to  suggest  the  change.  
  The  city  already  has  initiated  some  improvement  projects  at  the  pond.  This  month,  
the  City  Council  voted  9-­‐0  to  support  a  project  to  restore  a  dam  at  the  pond.  
  The  wooden  dam  is  estimated  to  cost  $147,000  to  fix,  plus  $10,000  for  an  architect's  
design.   While   the   Mount   Ida   Preservation   Association   hopes   to   get   the   work   done   with  

Belding’s  Pond   22  
donated   materials   and   time,   Mayor   Mark   Pattison   has   reserved   $50,000   in   his   capital  
program  to  assist.  
“Park   designation   sought   for   Belden   Pond   area.”   Albany   Times   Union.   December   22,   1999:   F6.  
http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=5995195  
 
  TROY   -­‐   The   dam   on   the   Poestenkill   is   once   again   whole,   and   it   couldn't   have  
happened  sooner  for  the  businesses  and  residents  operating  or  living  near  the  creek.  
  Since   June   1997,   when   the   dam   broke,   the   rapid   water   of   the   Poestenkill   has   flowed  
unchecked  into  the  Hudson  River.  It  may  be  the  creek's  natural  course,  but  sometime  about  
a  decade  ago,  a  wooden  dam  was  built  with  the  sole  purpose  of  filtering  silt  from  the  water  
before  it  entered  the  turbines  of  a  hydroelectric  plant,  Mt.  Ida  Associates.  
  Mt.   Ida   spent   $275,000   over   the   last   three   years   fixing   or   replacing   its   power-­‐
generating  turbines  and  excavating  sediment.  It  still  lost  revenue  because  of  the  problems.  
  A   row   of   houses   along   Brunswick   Avenue   that   back   up   to   the   Poestenkill   are   having  
the  back  yards  washed  away  by  the  creek.  The  natural  erosion  was  accelerated  when  the  
dam  broke.  The  creek  ran  faster  and,  residents  say,  changed  course  slightly  to  pound  their  
property  harder  as  it  flowed  by.    
  The   most   recent   entity   to   suffer   from   not   having   the   dam   in   place   is   R.   Kelly  
Freedman's  &  Sons  Inc.,  a  company  located  on  the  Hudson  that  buys  and  sells  scrap  metal.  
  General   Manager   Tony   Dawson   said   the   company   is   having   a   difficult   time   getting  
barges  in  and  out  of  the  dock,  located  on  the  Hudson  near  mouth  of  the  Poestenkill  because  
of  an  inordinate  amount  of  sediment  that  has  settled  at  the  bottom  of  the  Hudson.  
  According   to   Arthur   Henningson,   a   deputy   permit   administrator   for   the   state  
Department  of  Environmental  Conservation,  Freedman's  has  filed  an  application  to  extend  
its  10-­‐year  permit  to  dredge  the  Hudson  at  that  location  in  order  to  open  up  the  channel  for  
its  barges.  
  The  reason  there  is  a  larger  than  usual  bed  of  what  is  believed  to  be  gravel  (about  
the   size   of   a   "hen's-­‐egg)   is   that   the   Poestenkill   has   been   allowed   to   flow   for   three   years  
without  the  two  dams  in  place  or  working  to  their  potential.  
  First,  the  upper  dam  broke  in  1997.  Because  the  dam  no  longer  filtered  the  silt  from  
the   water,   the   pool   created   by   the   lower   dam,   south   of   Pawling   Avenue,   filled   up   with  
sediment  rapidly.  Mt.  Ida  spent  $45,000  dredging  the  pool  over  the  last  three  years  said  Mt.  
Ida  official  Michael  Tucker.  
  Absent  the  dam  and  the  pool,  and  then  add  in  a  number  of  rain  storms  to  the  already  
rapid  moving  water  of  the  Poestenkill,  the  creek  washed  enough  gravel  into  the  Hudson  to  
form  the  present  bed  that  is  hindering  Freedman's  operation.  
  “It's  the  normal  process  absent  the  dams,”  said  Henningson  “Were  neither  of  these  
damns   in   place,   the   bed   load   that   comes   down   the   Poestenkill   would   normally   deposit  
there  (in  the  Hudson).”  
  Compounding  the  current  problem,  said  Henningson,  is  the  fact  that  the  two  dams  
have   been   in   place   for   more   than   100   years.   The   gravel   the   creek   naturally   picks   up   and  
carries   while   it   travels   down   hills   of   eastern   Rensselaer   County   to   the   Hudson   have   been  
collecting  at  the  upper  dam  since  it  was  constructed.  
  “It's  not  unusual  for  a  stream  to  transport  1,000  yards  of  gravel,  but  that  transport  
has  been  stopped  by  virtue  of  the  fact  the  dam  has  been  there,”  he  said.     “There   was   a  

Belding’s  Pond   23  
big   build   up   of   gravel   for   100   years.   When   dam   failed,   the   stream   automatically   began   to  
cut  into  the  build  up  of  gravel.”  
  Dawson,  Freedman's  general  manager,  is  estimating  that  between  2,000  and  4,000  
cubic   yards   of   material   will   need   to   be   removed   from   the   Hudson   at   a   cost   of   between  
$50,000  and  $100,000.    
  With  some  maneuvering,  the  company  is  still  able  to  get  the  barges  to  the  docks,  but,  
at  the  current  rate  of  the  buildup,  Dawson  estimates  that  by  next  fall,  it  may  not  be  feasible.  
The   company   transports   some   50,000   ton   of   scrap   metal   per   year   by   barge   to   various   steel  
factories,  he  said.  
  The   rate   of   buildup   should   be   slowed   now   that   the   dam   has   been   repaired   by   the  
city,  with  state  funds,  at  a  cost  of  $160,000.  
  Henningson  said  the  DEC  will  allow  the  river  to  be  dredged  from  now  to  April  1,  if  
the  ice  allows  for  such  a  project.  
  Then,   he   said,   dredging   will   not   be   allowed   again   until   late   summer,   when   fish,  
herring  and  bass,  in  particular,  finish  their  annual  migration.  
  The   project,   he   said,   will   not   be   nearly   as   complex   as   the   dredging   proposed   further  
north  on  the  Hudson  by  the  federal  Environmental  Protection  Agency.  
  A  silt-­‐fence  will  be  installed  from  bank  to  bank  to  isolate  the  project  and  whatever  
sediment  is  stirred  up.  But  he  categorized  it  as  little  more  than  scooping  the  gravel  from  the  
bottom  with  a  clam-­‐shell,  loading  it  on  trucks  and  hauling  it  away.  
  Meanwhile   Director   of   the   Rensselaer   County   Environmental   Council   Ken   Dufty  
claims   dredging   along   the   upper   Poestenkill   was   done   improperly.   He   contends   workers  
failed  to  set  up  a  sediment  fence  to  catch  silt,  and  operating  machinery  in  the  creek  itself.  
  He   said   there   are   photos,   that   have   been   turned   over   to   the   authorities   that   show  
the  violations  being  committed.  
  DEC  Conservation  Biologist,  Richard  Popp,  with  the  Division  of  Fish  and  Wildlife  in  
Stanford,  said  his  division  has  been  looking  into  the  allegations.  He  added  the  Army  Corps.  
of  Engineers  has  been  informed  of  possible  improprieties.  
  There   were   a   number   of   dredging   projects   that   took   place   on   the   upper   Poestenkill,  
one  by  Troy  when  the  new  dam  was  built  this  past  year,  and  three  by  Mt.  Ida  Associates,  
when  it  was  forced  to  dig  out  the  pool  located  near  the  lower  dam.  
  Henningson   said,   at   the   present   time,   he   does   not   believe   either   project   had  
anything  to  do  with  the  magnitude  of  gravel  washed  into  the  Hudson,  however.  
  “If  they  lost  material  relative  to  that  excavation,  it  would  be  a  fine  material  (in  the  
Hudson),”  he  said,  adding  that  it  does  not  excuse  improper  dredging  techniques.  
  “My   information   is   the   bar   at   the   mouth   of   Poestenkill   is   gravel   and   that   it   came  
from  the  old  Belden  Pond,  not  from  the  Mt.  Ida  Hydro  site.”  
  He   expects   to   solidify   that   argument   when   he   receives   samples   of   the   silt   bank   from  
whatever  excavation  company  Freedman's  hires,  within  the  month.  
Franco,   Jim.   "Unchecked   Poestenkill   raises   havoc."   Troy   Record.   January   8,   2001.   http://www.troyrecord.com/general-­‐
news/20010108/unchecked-­‐poestenkill-­‐raises-­‐havoc  
 
  A  proposed  switch  of  funds  from  dredging  Beldon  Pond  to  building  a  walking  trail  to  
the   Poesten   Kill   Gorge   is   raising   concerns   among   some   City   Council   members.   The  
administration   is   proposing   to   take   $112,839.93   of   capital   funds   away   from   the   Beldon  
Pond  project.  

Belding’s  Pond   24  
   “We   all   support   park   expansion   but   right   now   the   city   is   having   a   hard   time  
maintaining  the  parks  we  have,”  said  Council  President  Harry  Tutunjian.  
  The  city  had  planned  to  dredge  Beldon  Pond  -­‐-­‐  also  known  as  Mount  Ida  Lake  -­‐-­‐  to  
make  it  accessible  for  recreation.  
  “Right  now  it  is  very  shallow  and  since  the  dam  was  built,  it's  been  hard  to  get  fresh  
water  in  the  pond,”  Tutunjian  said.  
  While  the  pond  was  dry  a  few  years  ago,  he  said,  it  now  would  take  a  year  for  it  to  
dry  out  before  dredging  could  occur.  
  The   city   has   estimated   the   cost   of   dredging   at   $700,000   -­‐-­‐   a   figure   Councilman  
Daniel   Doran   said   is   too   high   to   afford.   Doran   favors   switching   the   money   to   build   the  
walking  trail,  which  the  council  will  be  asked  to  do  at  its  meeting  at  7  p.m.  Thursday,  April  
3,  in  City  Hall.  
  The  trail  would  be  built  this  summer  on  both  sides  of  the  Poesten  Kill,  from  Prospect  
Park  and  Linden  Avenue,  to  the  gorge.  
  Deputy  Mayor  Jim  Conroy  said  the  city  successfully  applied  more  than  five  years  ago  
to  get  $245,000  in  state  funds  for  the  walking  trail.  
  Last   fall,   the   city   sought   bids   for   the   work   and   ended   up   with   a   $270,000  
construction   cost   with   another   $35,000   set   aside   for   archaeological   work   that   could   be  
needed  because  a  former  cemetery  abuts  where  the  trail  will  run.  
  But   the   cost   of   designing   plans   for   the   trail   and   paying   for   the   bid   process   ate   up  
some   $100,000   of   the   grant   money   -­‐-­‐   leaving   the   city   without   enough   funds   to   do   the  
project,  Conroy  said.  
  At  the  same  time,  a  dam  at  the  pond  broke,  and  the  city  designated  funds  to  repair  it.  
Once  that  was  fixed,  the  city  had  the  $112,839.93  left  in  its  funds  for  any  work  at  Beldon  
Pond  -­‐-­‐  not  enough  to  do  the  dredging.  
  “We  didn't  have  enough  money  to  do  the  trails,  and  we  didn't  have  enough  money  to  
do  the  pond  dredging,”  Conroy  said.  
  Rather  than  abandon  both  projects,  Conroy  said,  the  administration  wants  to  use  the  
funds  that  would  have  been  spent  on  Beldon  Pond  to  finish  the  trail.  Any  work  on  dredging  
the  pond  would  have  to  wait  until  future  funds  were  found.  
  The   council   is   being   asked   to   combine   three   funds   to   pay   for   the   $305,000  
construction  of  the  trail,  with  money  coming  from  $142,377  already  awarded  for  the  trail  -­‐-­‐  
part   of   that   original   $245,000;   the   $112,840   moved   from   the   pond   project;   and   another  
$50,000  grant  received  for  the  Mount  Ida/Prospect  Park  trail.  
  Tutunjian  said  some  council  members  are  concerned  about  the  local  cost.  
  “We  get  all  these  grants  from  the  state  but  we  are  forced  to  use  our  local  money  to  
match  them,”  Tutunjian  said.  “We  need  to  justify  whenever  we  need  to  use  general  funds.”  
  To   oppose   moving   the   city's   share   would   mean   Troy   would   lose   the   state   grant,  
Doran  said.  
  “The   council   almost   literally   threw   away   $250,000,”   Doran   said.   “It’s   $250,000   we'd  
have   to   give   back   to   the   state   that   we   have   in   our   custody.   They   wanted   to   take   the  
$112,000  in  city  money  and  move  it  back  into  the  general  fund.”  
  Conroy  said  the  city  would  have  to  repay  the  entire  $245,000  grant  and  find  other  
funds  to  pay  for  the  expenses  already  incurred.  
  Tutunjian  said  he  also  was  disturbed  that  the  city  had  a  contractor  ready  to  build  the  
trail  when  the  funds  were  not  in  place.  

Belding’s  Pond   25  
   “We  were  given  an  ultimatum  by  the  deputy  mayor  that  it's  now  or  never,”  he  said.    
“It's  troubling  we've  already  got  the  construction  company  when  we  don't  have  the  funds.  I  
don't  know  exactly  what's  going  to  happen  with  the  legislation  but  we  are  working  on  it.”  
  Conroy  said  the  city  put  the  project  out  for  bids  to  get  a  firm  handle  on  how  much  
the   work   would   cost.   The   original   bid   from   Talham   Inc.   of   Troy   came   in   at   $370,000,   he  
said,  and  the  city  made  some  changes  to  lower  that  cost  by  $100,000.  
  If  the  council  approved  the  switch  of  the  local  funds,  Conroy  said,  the  trail  could  be  
completed  this  summer.  
O'Brien,   Tim.   "Council   balks   at   switching   project   funds."   Albany   Times   Union.   March   26,   2003:   F3.  
http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=6203559  
 
 

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