Back in Time

By Mallory Leonard • Photos Supplied

Saranac Lake, New York has a deep-rooted history of community, artistry, preservation, and innovation. In an area of the state originally used by Native Americans to hunt and trap, early settlers slowly began to develop this region of the Adirondacks in the 1800s. Jacob Smith Moody, a farmer, trapper, and guide, is believed to have been the original permanent settler of Saranac Lake in 1819.

Looking at the last 100 years in village history was an exciting adventure

for me. I had the pleasure of chatting with Amy Catania, Executive Director of

Historic Saranac Lake. She led me on an informational journey of past, present,

and future endeavors that make the village such a wonderful destination.

Catania’s interest in local history came from her Master’s degree research project on Latin American patients who received treatment for Tuberculosis in Saranac Lake. A transplant from Oregon, Catania was originally a Spanish teacher, and her love for Latin American history led her to her current position. “I’ve been with Historic Saranac Lake since 2009,” she said. “I really enjoy my position here. I walk around town and every place has a story. I’m not just seeing it in the present; I’m seeing the history of it as well. This is a vibrant place.”

Saranac Lake has grown and evolved with the times. The mid-1920s saw the construction of the Hotel Saranac, which is now the only surviving hotel of more than 40 that existed at the time. The village landmark, which hosts guests from all around the world, blends modern elements and historical preservation. The hotel was originally constructed to host three types of guests — the traveler, the tourist, and visitors coming to be with relatives or friends being treated for Tuberculosis.

In the late 19th century and early decades of the 20th century Saranac Lake became known as a treatment center for Tuberculosis, a contagious disease with a high death rate. Patients from all over the world came for a “cure” in the woods. The regiment consisted of resting in the fresh air, a high calorie diet, movement, and enriching activities to keep spirits high.

Saranac Lake was the perfect location for patients to receive treatment. Adirondack mountain air was as fresh as could be found, and the peaceful environment lent itself to a host of enriching activities. The sense of community at the treatment locations, as well as the support of local residents who were considered an integral part of the treatment process, solidified the sense of a greater family.

According to an article written by Phil Gallos in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise in November 1982, “The village was a place of hope, unlike any other place. It was the antithesis of a world of fear and rejection, rather it was a place where a man or woman with Tuberculosis would not be shunned as a carrier of contagion, but would be accepted as a human being. This may be the most important single reason why so many, having regained their health, are still living in Saranac Lake.”

“Hotels and tourism changed quickly as people had access to cars,” Catania explained. “Many well-known visitors sought rest and relaxation in Saranac Lake, including Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, Earnest Hemingway, Béla Bartók, John Philip Sousa, Mark Twain, and several U.S. Presidents.”

During Prohibition — 1920-1933 — Saranac Lake was a popular place for people looking to escape and let loose. When the legislation was repealed, it was a heavy blow to the area’s economy.

As historic events and technology changed the business landscape, the community pivoted. What had originally begun as a farming and logging/sawmill community, evolved to accommodate the changes. “The Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression definitely affected the area,” offered Catania. “Tuberculosis didn’t go away because of the crash.” Some of the local businesses suffered, but many were unaffected.”

Today, there are a few businesses in Saranac Lake that have survived through multiple generations and are still operating. Madden Transfer and Storage, now located on Main Street, was originally established by William F. Madden, Sr. in 1914. The company used horses and sleighs for transport before the automobile took over.

The Trudeau family is an example of a multigenerational medical practice. Edward Livingston Trudeau moved to Saranac Lake in 1876 and established his practice and, eight years later, the Trudeau Institute. His son Francis Berger Trudeau also became a physician and succeeded his father at the Institute. Dr. Frances B. Trudeau, Jr. (known as Frank) practiced internal medicine in Saranac Lake from 1954 until his retirement in 1985.

Historical Saranac Lake acquired Dr. E.L. Trudeau’s historic home and medical office located in the center of the village in 2019. “We raised over $6 million for the purchase and rehabilitation of the building to expand the museum. It’s exciting and we’re very proud of what we have accomplished,” Catania offered. “We’re projected to open the new expanded museum space in August.”

Another historic business that became a local legend was the Post Office Pharmacy which was operated for 70 years by the Bevilacqua family, it was the last remaining non-chain pharmacy in the region. Sadly, it closed in 2019. Contrary to what its name implies, the pharmacy never operated as a post office. Its name indicated its location, a few doors down from the post office on Main Street.

Saranac Lake’s annual Winter Carnival, known for its spectacular ice palace and parade, got its start in 1897. At that time, it was a single-day event and designed as a boost for Tuberculosis patients’ morale. Generations of Saranac Lake residents and visitors have been a big part of this event over the years, volunteering their time to make the event even better each year. Now, a 10-day event, the Carnival brings visitors and money to the local economy.

Since 1981 Doonesbury cartoonist Gary Trudeau has created a collectible pin as a fundraiser for the Carnival. Trudeau, the son of Dr. Francis (Frank) B. Trudeau, Jr., carries on the Trudeau tradition in Saranac Lake in his own creative way.

The carnival’s parade route goes through the heart of downtown Saranac Lake, as droves of parade-goers line the streets and visit the shops, galleries, and restaurants, Many of the buildings are on the historical registry, and historical preservation and education are core values of the community. “Over time people have realized that historic buildings help drive the economy,” Catania emphasized. “It helps attract visitors, preserve the area’s history and it’s beautiful.”

Historic Saranac Lake

Saranac Laboratory Museum

89 Church Street

Saranac Lake, NY, 12983

518-891-4606

www.historicsaranaclake.org