Vischer Ferry Historic District 1975
The Saratoga County History Center has announced the dates for the release of its newest film – Vischer Ferry, a Forgotten Crossroads. The film will premiere on Thursday April 11 at 7 pm at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa. On April 25 at 7 pm the film will be available for viewing at the Vischer Ferry Firehouse, 360 Riverview Road and a third showing is set for May 5 at 1 pm at Grooms Tavern, 290 Sugar Hill Road in Clifton Park.
This third in a series of Forgotten Crossroads films created by the History Center highlights Vischer Ferry, a quaint village along the original path of the Erie Canal in the southern section of the Town of Clifton Park. Originally established by Dutch settlers long before the American Revolution, it grew into a bustling community of families whose economic livelihood was tied to the canal. “The importance of Vischer Ferry during the 19th century is still evident today” said Jim Richmond, film director, “It’s streets are lined with Greek Revival homes, that gives the village a unique look back at a bygone era.”
Vischer Ferry – Greek Revival Homes ca 1900
As with the History Center’s previous films on Rock City Falls and Bacon Hill, the story of this crossroads is captured through interviews with three generations of local residents, who shared their proud history and memories as well as their plans for the future.
The film takes the audience through time, capturing each era of Vischer Ferry’s long history. Beginning with Native American occupation and the arrival of Dutch Families, the film’s focus on the Erie Canal is highlighted by a 1975 interview with John Wooden, the last lock tender along the local section of the canal. Other segments include a look at the Van Vranken family through the eyes of the 10th generation to grow up in Vischer Ferry, and the “Three Pillars” of the community today – the church, the fire company and the general store.
Vischer Ferry General Store 2015
“Perhaps the most engaging part of the story is the revival of the village after a period of decline in the mid-20th century.” stated John Scherer, long-time Clifton Park Town Historian, and a member of the film development team. “In the 1970’s a group of people with a lot of talent came together and created something special that still exists today.”
Louise McManus, recent arrival and owner of the Vischer Ferry General Store with her husband Tom, shared her excitement about Vischer Ferry. “Ever since we moved here, we really wanted to do something with the General Store.” The store opened in December 2015 and has been a mainstay of the village ever since, drawing residents and visitors alike to “Gather. Shop. Eat.”
Erie Canal at Vischer Ferry ca 1890
Registration for the events at Brookside Museum and the Vischer Ferry Fire House can be made at
https://brooksidemuseum.org/events/2024-04/
Vischer Ferry – A Forgotten Crossroads has been made possible in part through funding secured from the Clifton Park Historic Preservation Commission, the Vischer Ferry General Store, The Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company, and Pat and Ernie Haffner.
