Mailbox
Where in the Hudson Valley…?
Last month’s photo of the Indian’s Blessing Fountain was a stumper for some of our readers. Many guessed that Saratoga was the location of the spring waters with the mysterious healing powers. But the circa-1940 monument to our early Native American neighbors is actually further downstate, in the village of Lebanon Springs. Designed by renowned Massachusetts sculptor Henry Hudson Kitson (best known for his famous Minute Man statue in Lexington, Mass.), the bronze fountain “is the most historical site in Columbia County,” according to New Lebanon Town Historian Kevin Fuerst (to whom we offer thanks for providing the story of the site). Congrats to Albany’s Janie-Sue Clements, who was the first reader to correctly identify the spot; she snags a gift certificate to a local restaurant. For this month’s visual brain-teaser, turn to the back page.
That’s the Indian Head fountain, which used to be located east of where it is now, and was the centerpiece of the intersection. When I was a kid we used to go there for water. Lebanon Springs was quite the place to go. Thanks for putting out such a great magazine. We read it cover to cover.
Joe & Kathy Debella
Albany
The fountain is said to have been visited by Lafayette on his “Grand Tour” when revisiting the U.S.
Tom Robertson
Nelsonville
This fountain is right near Shatford Park. My grandmother and her family have enjoyed the springs’ water through their faucet for years!
Brenda Koepp
Clinton Corners
The Indian has been part of Lebanon Springs for a long time, and it is great to see it in print.
Carol A. Lewick
West Lebanon
Thank you for this great picture of my “old” hometown.
Ila H. Mongillo
Lake Katrine
Hinchey as hero
As a subscriber to (and former editor of) Hudson Valley, I was shocked to read a letter to the editor stating that “Maurice Hinchey is no friend to business, small or otherwise” (August). I am a small businessperson and reside in his district. We are lucky to have Maurice representing us in Washington. He is one of the few people in Congress who is not bought and paid for by corporations and special interests. He will do what is right for those he represents because his position is right, not because his friends will make money on a project. This nation has been pillaged over the past six years by an administration with no regard for the Constitution; they simply choose to line their pockets via Halliburton and other corporations. I am proud to be a constituent in Hinchey’s district; if only the rest of America were so lucky. Perhaps a statesman, rather than a corporate lackey, will fill the executive branch in January 2009.
Joanne Michaels
West Hurley
Corrections
Our September feature, “14 Fantastic Fall Weekends,” neglected to include mention of Old New Paltz Day, an annual event hosted by Historic Huguenot Street, which took place on Sept. 8. A photo of last year’s event appeared on our September Contents page without attribution; it was taken by local photographer G. Steve Jordan. Visit the National Historic Landmark District this month for their Haunted Huguenot Street guided tours (Oct. 26-27); 845-255-1660 or www.huguenotstreet.org.
