Enjoy a journey through Lake George history
LEE GOODEN, For The Saratogian
06/17/2003
"Lake George Boats and Steamboats" by William Preston Gates (W.P. Gates Publishing Co.). 200 pages, 760 photographs. $26 softcover; $36 hardcover.
It is always a daunting task to review a large work of nonfiction. A reviewer must read a book cover to cover in a timely manner. Unlike fiction that is plot-driven, nonfiction can be dry and slow going.
This is not the case for William Preston Gates' book, "Lake George Boats and Steamboats."
Although Gates' new book is full of informative facts, figures and all sorts of statistics about every boat imaginable, it is also a fascinating journey into the history of Lake George.
Gates has also written the books "Turn-of-the-Century Scrapbook," "History of the Sagamore Hotel" and "Glens Falls and Sandy Hill."
All of his books are ongoing projects that have taken a lifetime of preparation that will continue when future generations of his family pick up the mantle of this legacy.
His and his family's collections of this area's memorabilia are so rich in history that Gates always has a project going.
"Lake George Boats and Steamboats" is an overview of boats that have been on Lake George, starting with the Elm Bark Canoe (GA-SNA or GA-O-WON) used by the Iroquois to Hall's Lyman. The Lyman burned in March 2002, but it will be restored in the future.
To have an idea of how thoroughly researched this book is, one only has to look at Gates' acknowledgement page, where he thanks more than 400 people and organizations.
"One cannot begin to do Gates' book justice without not just reading, but exploring its depths. Experiencing this book is like climbing aboard the Lac du Saint Sacrement, (the steamboat that Gates captains for Lake George Steamboat Company) and taking a guided tour that lets one relive history. Gates, also a retired teacher is knowledgeable in so many areas and has a love of life and learning that is contagious.
Gates shares his enthusiasm through his writing style, and the reader is transported back to a childhood full of wonder, such as in his description of the infamous Lake George Monster.
"In 1904, the one of the most famous practical jokes in Lake George history was played by Hauge's Harry Watrous on his best friend, Colonel William D'Alton Mann," he writes.
"... The two men had engaged themselves in a private contest to determine who was the best fisherman, several days later Colonel Mann pretended to catch a real trout which might have weighed 30 pounds if it hadn't been made of wood." "...Not to be out done...Watrous rigged the monster beneath the lake's surface on an elaborate pulley system which allowed the monster to appear and quickly disappear. Col Mann was so surprised when the monster appeared before him that he fell out of his boat."
"...During the summer of 2001, the monster once again made headlines. During a mock trial at the old Warren County Courthouse, it was decided that the monster would forever be shared by The Hague, Bolton Landing and Lake George Historical Societies."
There are more than 200 pages and 760 photographs in "Lake George Boats and Steamboats." Some of the photographs are from his family's private collection; others are representations drawn by his wife, Donnie, based on descriptions painstakingly researched by Gates. Several photos were sent to him by other boat and lake lovers
"Lake George Boats and Steamboats" is a masterpiece that documents more than 200 years of Lake George boating history.
LEE GOODEN, For The Saratogian
06/17/2003
"Lake George Boats and Steamboats" by William Preston Gates (W.P. Gates Publishing Co.). 200 pages, 760 photographs. $26 softcover; $36 hardcover.
It is always a daunting task to review a large work of nonfiction. A reviewer must read a book cover to cover in a timely manner. Unlike fiction that is plot-driven, nonfiction can be dry and slow going.
This is not the case for William Preston Gates' book, "Lake George Boats and Steamboats."
Although Gates' new book is full of informative facts, figures and all sorts of statistics about every boat imaginable, it is also a fascinating journey into the history of Lake George.
Gates has also written the books "Turn-of-the-Century Scrapbook," "History of the Sagamore Hotel" and "Glens Falls and Sandy Hill."
All of his books are ongoing projects that have taken a lifetime of preparation that will continue when future generations of his family pick up the mantle of this legacy.
His and his family's collections of this area's memorabilia are so rich in history that Gates always has a project going.
"Lake George Boats and Steamboats" is an overview of boats that have been on Lake George, starting with the Elm Bark Canoe (GA-SNA or GA-O-WON) used by the Iroquois to Hall's Lyman. The Lyman burned in March 2002, but it will be restored in the future.
To have an idea of how thoroughly researched this book is, one only has to look at Gates' acknowledgement page, where he thanks more than 400 people and organizations.
"One cannot begin to do Gates' book justice without not just reading, but exploring its depths. Experiencing this book is like climbing aboard the Lac du Saint Sacrement, (the steamboat that Gates captains for Lake George Steamboat Company) and taking a guided tour that lets one relive history. Gates, also a retired teacher is knowledgeable in so many areas and has a love of life and learning that is contagious.
Gates shares his enthusiasm through his writing style, and the reader is transported back to a childhood full of wonder, such as in his description of the infamous Lake George Monster.
"In 1904, the one of the most famous practical jokes in Lake George history was played by Hauge's Harry Watrous on his best friend, Colonel William D'Alton Mann," he writes.
"... The two men had engaged themselves in a private contest to determine who was the best fisherman, several days later Colonel Mann pretended to catch a real trout which might have weighed 30 pounds if it hadn't been made of wood." "...Not to be out done...Watrous rigged the monster beneath the lake's surface on an elaborate pulley system which allowed the monster to appear and quickly disappear. Col Mann was so surprised when the monster appeared before him that he fell out of his boat."
"...During the summer of 2001, the monster once again made headlines. During a mock trial at the old Warren County Courthouse, it was decided that the monster would forever be shared by The Hague, Bolton Landing and Lake George Historical Societies."
There are more than 200 pages and 760 photographs in "Lake George Boats and Steamboats." Some of the photographs are from his family's private collection; others are representations drawn by his wife, Donnie, based on descriptions painstakingly researched by Gates. Several photos were sent to him by other boat and lake lovers
"Lake George Boats and Steamboats" is a masterpiece that documents more than 200 years of Lake George boating history.
posted by Lee Gooden | 9:43 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home