Saratoga County Historical Society at Brookside Museum - News

News

Eagle Hotel Fire

Ballston Spa lost one of its famous hotels on July 8, 1932, when the Eagle Hotel burned to the ground. The U.S. Post Office is now located on the site which is on the south side of Front St. at Milton Ave. The first building on this location was a blacksmith shop built in 1812 (Warren Shaeffer Collection). Ballston Spa,… Read more »

Strike Sabotage in 1910

On the evening of Sunday, July 31, 1910, a passenger train derailed on the Delaware and Hudson line in Ballston Lake. This photo postcard shows the aftermath. A week later, eight trackmen were arrested for removing spikes from the track near a curve in the line.  The sabotage was part of a labor strike and the arrested men said they… Read more »

The Verbeck House

The Verbeck House was built in 1889 for James W. Verbeck, Esq. It is located on Church Avenue near the West High Street intersection.  For a time, it was the home of the National Bottle Museum and now houses offices.

Sunny Front Street

Front Street in downtown Ballston Spa on a sunny day like today complete with buildings hung with bunting, and a trolley car coming down the street along with both horse and horseless carriages. Taken during the Ballston Spa Centennial Celebration by Jesse Sumner Wooley.  

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Below is a black and white photo of Soldiers and Sailors monument, here in Ballston Spa, NY. This monument was dedicated on June 14th, 1888. Photograph from collection of Arthur Mathers (former edition Ballston Journal).

The Major General’s House

This house is where Major General Abner Doubleday was born June 16, 1819. It still stands, much of which is still in its original condition. Major General Doubleday was a civil war hero.

Memorial Day

Hope everyone had a great holiday yesterday. Pictured below is a black and white photo of the Memorial Day Parade in 1939 on Milton Ave. right here in Ballston Spa, New York.

Brookside in Path Through History

Brookside is now on the Path Through History’s map! We are glad to be a part of this state-wide initiative to raise awareness and bring together important historical museums and sites. Check out our cool new sign!

Carriage Drive on a Sunny Day

On a sunny day like today, carriage driver George West, Jr. and another man sit in a small open carriage drawn by one horse in an elaborate harness. The stone block on the sidewalk behind the horse reads Geo. West, thus may have been the West’s house on corner of Prospect Street and Milton Avenue.

Discoveries on the Jonathan Filer Homestead.

When remodeling was done on the Jonathan Filer Homestead on Middle Line Road, a charred braided rope was found in the wall.  Legend has it that the rope was used as a torch by raiders in an attempt to burn the house in 1780.  Stories also suggest  that Jonathan Filer’s mother-in-law put out the fire after the rest of the… Read more »