Brief Commentary on the South End

Recently I took a ride through Albany's South End neighborhood and was very surprised at what I saw. The day was cool but not cold. Aside from South Pearl Street between Madison and Morton Avenues it was very noticeable that the streets were completely empty. No one outside. No one walking. No activity. It was completely "dead."

At the same time, very evident was the number of newer buildings that have been constructed in place of those that were torn down over the years. Even more distinct were the number of empty lots lining the streets. Drive down Third Avenue.

It seems not that long ago the streets were lined with homes. Many of them frame structures in desperate need of attention. But the buildings were still standing. It appears that very soon most of the original structures will be gone if this neighborhood is not revitalized.

Over the past year the city has torn down numerous buildings during the evening hours. A structure is deemed condemned, a call to cut the electricity is issued, and the home is demolished under cover of darkness. When most citizens take notice the building is already gone and it is too late.

I wonder what the neighborhood was really like circa 1900. My grandparents told us stories of the different ethnic groups that lived there and their businesses. Everything was within walking distance. Kids playing in the street. There were very few cars then. Women cleaning their stoops and sweeping the sidewalk. Men walking home from work; relaxing on the stoop with a glass of beer. Lots of activity. One section of the South End where some of my ancestors lived was known as the "Beehive" which was situated around Catherine and Elizabeth Streets. That area held that title because there was so much activity buzzing around. Generally, people enjoying each others company and having a great time. Everyone knew each other.

From what I witnessed during my tour of the area the above description no longer exists. Perhaps the area will return to vibrancy someday but it appears that presently that is just a dream.

Murder at Cherry Hill

Another annal October tour at one of Albany's historic gems will be held in a few weeks at Cherry Hill located at 523 1/2 South Pearl Street on the outskirts of the South End. A description from Cherry Hill's web page states:

On May 7, 1827, a notorious murder occurred at Cherry Hill that resulted in two sensational trials and Albany’s last public hanging. Come relive that night! Meet the historical players, walk in the footsteps of a murderer, and revel in harrowing titillation during this annual event!

$18/$12 for members

Friday, October 24 at 4:00, 5:30, and 7:00 pm

Saturday, October 25 at 4:00, 5:30 and 7:00 pm

Pre-registration and payment are required to guarantee your spot. Contact Education Director Becky Watrous at (518) 434-4791; becky@historiccherryhill.org


Historic Cherry Hill is open for tours April through December. Closed Christmas Eve through March.

Admission:
Adults: $5
College Students and Seniors: $4
Children: $2

Directions:
Historic Cherry Hill is located at 523 1⁄2 South Pearl Street in Albany, just off Exit 2 of Interstate 787. From the North, take Exit 2. At the light, turn left, and look for Historic Cherry Hill immediately on your right. From the South, take exit 2, and follow the ramp straight to the end. At the light turn left. Under the overpass, take anther left onto Route 32 South. Bear right onto 787's exit ramp. At the light, turn left, and look for Historic Cherry Hill immediately on your right.

Who's in that Picture?

Most all genealogists can relate to this scenario.  About twenty-five years ago, I got in touch with one of my maternal grandfather's first cousins.  Florence was her name.  She was in her early 80s at this time.  By today's standards, she amazingly lived in the same house all of her life.  Also, her Holland-born grandfather, Henry Koreman, (my great great grandfather) also lived in the same house until his death in 1923 at 120 Morton Avenue.  This was in the South End of Albany in the vicinity of the area known as the "Beehive", centered around Morton Avenue and Catherine Street.  

Florence and her sister, Elisabeth, pulled out two very old family photo albums from the attic.  The albums were their grandfather's.  Considering their age, the albums were in excellent condition, practically brand new.  They contained upwards of 80 to 100 photos.  The photos were a mix of Tin-types, Carte-de-Visites, Cabinet cards, and Card mounts.  As I poured through this genealogical "Holy Grail" find, my heart rate increased dramatically and I believe my mouth was watering.  Unfortunately, my hopes all soon started to fade.  

Florence and Elizabeth could not name anyone who was in any of the photos.  Now what?  These girls and my grandfather were the oldest of that still living generation at the time.  Who could identify these people?  I took the albums home and photographed each photo with an excellent camera and zoom lens stationed on a tripod with black and white film.  Scanners make this process much easier today!  

As time went by, I was able to identify perhaps 20% of the individuals by comparing the photos with with pictures of relatives in my possession.  I also brought these copies to all of the older cousins,  No one could recognize anyone in these photos..  I was told that the last person who could have identified most of the people in the albums was my great grandfather's sister, Mary Koreman, who also lived in the same house on Morton Avenue.  Mary passed away in 1962.  Six years before I was born.

I soon realized that even today we (my family) are guilty of not writing the individual's name on the back of the photo.  As we look at present day photos of our immediate family, we obviously know these people.  But in 50 years or even 100 years, where will these pictures be and who will have them?  Since this "heartbreak" happened to me, I have made an attempt to write on the back of the photo who the individual/s are and have mentioned this to others about preserving the identity of their relatives for future generations.

An excellent example of a Tin type photo of an unknown relative.

Could this Carte-de-Visite photograph be of the same man in the above picture?  The photo was taken in Rondout, NY.

This mystery photo was acquired from a different cousin in the same family.  This image was approximately 3" by 3" and was on clear glass.  The above image was not visible until something dark was placed behind the glass.  The image without a dark background looked like a negative.  I am not 100% sure but I believe this may be a Ambotype from the 1850s.  Could the man from all three photos be the same person?

As I acquire copies/scans of old photos, when known, I always write on the the reverse who the individual/s are with a pencil.  This way I am preserving for future generations who these people are.