Lake Clear Train Depot Celebration

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By Diane Chase

Charlie’s Inn in Lake Clear is going to become a hub of activity this weekend, July 16-17, in celebration of the Lake Clear Junction Station Centennial. Inside the beautifully preserved Lake Clear Junction Station Depot is an exact miniature replica of the Lake Clear Depot and surrounding houses, circa 1911. 

To commemorate the event will be a variety of vendors, events and activities meticulously planned by Betsy and Wayne Tucker. The building has some stories to tell. My daughter and I are able to gather just tidbits of the momentous era when train travel provided possibility to the Adirondacks. Historic Saranac Lake, Paul Smith’s College and over 15 other vendors will be around to demonstrate the elements that brought together Dr. William Seward Webb, Paul Smith, stagecoaches, an electric railway, NY Central Railway and settling the Adirondacks. There will be authors to meet, Adirondack Carousel carvings to see and a Pendragon Theatre historical interpretation.

The free event will have plenty of things for kids of all ages to do. Everything will kick off at 10:00 a.m. both days with Saturday, July 16, extending through the evening with country line dancing at 6:00 p.m. and a bon fire at 7:00 p.m. . Other special Saturday only activities will be Paul Smith’s College stagecoach rides ($) and a commemorative stamp cancellation. Both days will feature live music, plenty of food, period games, chainsaw sculptor demos and “Thomas the Train” painting/racing activity.  There is a complete schedule of events at Charlie’s Inn.



© Diane Chase, author of Adirondack Family Time: Tri-Lakes and High Peaks (Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities) available online or bookstores/museums July 2011. Diane is currently working on the second guidebook in the four book series of Adirondack Family Activities.

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