North Country At Work

A drawing of Bartlett’s Hotel. It was built in 1854 in a remote-access location on the Upper Saranac River. Because it wasn’t easy to access, it was dubbed the “Sportsmen’s Home.” Many came to hunt, fish, or boat. It was one of many hotels in Saranac Lake in the latter half of the 19th century. […]

Tourism has always been central to the economy of Saranac Lake. From the mid 19th century to the early-mid 20th century, many wealthy people came from Manhattan and elsewhere to stay in the grand hotels and great camps of Saranac Lake. Pictured here are unknown hotel proprietors, the local men who owned and ran the […]

A horse and buggy outside the Ampersand Hotel. After opening in 1888, the Ampersand was a mainstay in Saranac Lake. A review in the New York Times (June 11 1893) writes, “This beautiful spot, with its peaceful waters, gentle, undulating vales, emerald forests, and surrounding lofty, pine-clad mountains, was never lovelier than now.” Each season, […]

The Riverside Inn, first named Blood’s Hotel. Opened in 1860 and torn down in the 1930s. Very popular for its dances and balls. A brass band performs in front of the hotel. Circa 1900.  Saranac Lake, NY. Courtesy of Historic Saranac Lake.

William H. Wardner at the front desk of the Lake Clear Inn. 1944. Lake Clear, NY. Donated by M. Moschette. Courtesy of Historic Saranac Lake.

A postcard showing the exterior of the Hotel Saranac. 1929. Saranac Lake, NY. Courtesy of Historic Saranac Lake.

A group of men ready to paint the Ampersand Hotel. Circa 1910- 1920. Saranac Lake, NY. Donated by Madeline Lapine. Courtesy of the Keene Valley Library Archives.

Two men and a load of pulpwood in front of the Spread Eagle Inn. Circa 1910. Keene Valley, NY. Donated by M. La Pine. Courtesy of the Keene Valley Library Archives.

The Paul Smith’s Hotel stagecoach. Guests can be seen in and on coach and the hotel porch. Circa 1880. Paul Smiths, NY. Courtesy of the Paul Smith’s College Joan Weill Adirondack Library Archives.