Greater Adirondack Ghost and Tour Company (Plattsburgh, NY)

08/10/2024

GHOST TOURS TONIGHT!!! Who is the restless apparition that wanders "Hawkins Hall?" Which college dorm is built over an early pioneer's graveyard?? The spooky summer fun begins at 7:00 pm with "The Spirits of SUNY Plattsburgh," our lantern-lit tour of the Lake City's historic (and haunted) university campus! The spine-tingling tales continue at the 9:00 hour with "The Ghosts of the Old Post," where we'll pay a visit to the former "Plattsburgh Air Force Base" cemetery and grounds. Named one of the TOP TEN "Haunted Bases, Boats, and Battlefields" in America by Military Times and the Travel Channel" Not to be missed!!!

**No advance tickets or reservations are required to attend! Walk-ups are ALWAYS welcome!!!

08/09/2024

UPDATE!!! - Just a reminder, there are NO tours scheduled for this evening due to the inclement weather. HOWEVER! The spine-tingling fun returns tomorrow night at 7:00 and 9:00 pm with "The Spirits of SUNY Plattsburgh," followed by "The Ghosts of the Old Post!" Haunting tales of ghosts, murder, and even a bit of mayhem await to delight your darker side. As we always say, you never know what's lurking in your own backyard. So grab a friend and come along...if you dare!!!

*Photo - The "Plattsburgh Normal School" and its neighboring pond, taken around 1910. Not long before the site acquired its resident ghost. A restless presence which, according to some, still lingers on the grounds to this day...

08/08/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! This fantastic photograph takes us to the "Grand Concourse" at the Hotel Champlain, circa 1915. The lobby, featuring richly appointed furnishings and ornate decor, once welcomed millionaires, politicians, and the "who's who" of the "Gilded Age." Today, college students pass through this very same space on their way to classes. First opened at Bluff Point, New York in 1911, the second Hotel Champlain was designed to be completely fireproof, as that was the fate of its wooden predecessor, which had burned the previous year. The luxurious summer resort was built by the Delaware and Hudson Railroad, and was advertised as the "Hotel of Hotels," catering to the rich and famous of the era. Guests included President William H. Taft, Babe Ruth, and even early film stars like Errol Flynn. As the decades passed, the once grand destination struggled with America's changing vacation habits in the aftermath of World War II and closed its doors forever in 1951. The old building eventually found new life as a Jesuit Seminary and by the late 60s, was re-opened as a Community College. Rumors still persist, however, that perhaps some of the Hotel's former guests have never quite checked out...Eyewitness accounts by staff over the years have included all manner of strange and unexplained phenomenon. Phantom telephones ringing, a piano that plays by itself, and even sightings of ghostly apparitions dancing in the former ballroom all add to the eerie mystique surrounding the legendary Hotel Champlain.

08/07/2024

An artist’s rendering of The Lake Champlain Monster, fondly known as “Champ,” appearing in the August 7th, 1886 issue of “The Illustrated Police News,” 138 years ago TODAY!! The drawing illustrated an eyewitness sighting of the famous creature off the Vermont shore that summer by Mr. George Atwood.

*Thanks to “Cryptozoology Facts” for sharing this great image!!

08/07/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! How many of you have ever eaten at this Plattsburgh landmark??? It's Gus' Red Hots!!! Shown here as it appeared when first opened in the summer of 1951. Originally founded by Gus Niforos and his brother-in-law Peter Larios, this local eatery has been serving hungry patrons at its Cumberland Head Corners location for the past 73 years. Gus' quickly became popular for its "Michigan" hot dogs, which, following Clare and Carl's lead, was dubbed a "red hot." The original roadside "sandwich shoppe" was rebuilt in the 1960s and a large dining room was later added a decade later. Many of the classic interior features still remain today like stylish mid-century countertops, chrome trim, and red stools. What are your memories of Gus' Red Hots???

08/07/2024

Wow! Tonight’s spectacular sunset, reflected! Taken this evening from the Saranac River Trail!

08/06/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! This fascinating photograph shows one of the early automobile ferries on Lake Champlain, the diesel powered "Roosevelt," seen here maneuvering into the dock at Cumberland Head. Launched in the fall of 1923, the Roosevelt was 108 feet long and quite innovative for its day. Her name came from the former President of the "Champlain Transportation Company," James Roosevelt, who ran operations from 1895 until 1901. Roosevelt's son, Franklin Delano, would go on to become the 32nd President of the United States. The new ferry was quickly put to work on the busy crossing between Cumberland Head on the New York side and Grand Isle, Vermont. The plucky Roosevelt continued to ply the waters of the Lake for 36 years before she was deemed surplus by her owners. In 1959 the last wooden-hulled ferry on the Lake was towed to deep water and holes were chopped in her hull with an axe, allowing the vessel to settle to the bottom where it remains today.

08/05/2024

A new addition to our archives: this poignant memorial poem and photos of Bruce S. Calkins of Willsboro, NY. Young Bruce was born in 1921, and appears to have been quite the animal lover, with many photos of him posing with cats, dogs, and even goats. Sadly, the lad was stricken with appendicitis in 1934 and died at the Champlain Valley Hospital in Plattsburgh, age 12. He was the only child of his parents, Ralph and Eva (Smith) Calkins of Willsboro and is buried in “Memorial Cemetery” there. Relics like this always seem to grab you by the heartstrings.

08/05/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! Who remembers this retro looking roadside dive?? No, it's not something from outer space, it's the "Astro Dome" drive-in, once located at Cumberland Head Corners! Serving the busy summer beach traffic, Jerry's Astro Dome first opened around 1967 and is seen here 10 years later. Built to compete with other nearby establishments like "Gus' Red Hots" across the road, and the "Orange Julep" just south along Route 9. On the extensive menu are all the summer favorites, including "Michigans" for .50 cents, French Fries for .35 cents, or a large cheeseburger for .70 cents. Surrounding the drive-in was the "Astro Dome Trailer park," which ultimately outlived the little restaurant. The uniquely shaped eatery lasted until 1983 when it was finally closed and put up for sale.

08/04/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! Welcome to Redford, New York, August, 1939. A column of twin-turreted M-2 light tanks pass a group of observers, looking strangely out of place as they trundle across the Redford Bridge. 85 years ago this month, the North Country was preparing for War. Few realize today that on the eve of World War II, this area played host to the greatest peacetime Army maneuvers in U.S. history. That summer, the "1st Army," consisting of all regular and National Guard troops in New England (nearly 60,000 men), was massed here for war games. It was the largest concentration of U.S. soldiers since World War 1, intended to study and implement tactics for use in a "modern" mechanized war. The massive influx of men briefly pushed the population of Clinton County over 100,000, with troops stretching from Silver Lake and Black Brook to Beekmantown and Ingraham. Directed from Plattsburgh Barracks, the enormous exercise became international news and was attended by representatives of 17 foreign nations. Ironically these included military attaches from Imperial Japan (with the highest number of observers present) and N**i Germany. Colonel Nakamura, a Japanese Army officer, can be seen at right chatting, and Lieutenant General Friedrich von Boetticher, the German attaché, is standing center. Boetticher's reports to Hi**er regarding the limits of American readiness greatly influenced the Fuhrer's timing for his war plans in Europe. Five days after the conclusion of the Plattsburgh Army maneuvers, German forces invaded Poland, signaling the start of World War II.

08/03/2024

**Just TWO HOURS to go before we kick off TONIGHT'S GHOST TOURS!! At 7:00 pm experience a lantern-lit stroll among "The Dead of Delord's Point," our tour of the Lake City's oldest neighborhood! Home to many haunting tales and even a long-forgotten graveyard! Or, at 9:00 pm explore the spine-tingling secrets of the former "Plattsburgh Air Force Base" with "The Ghosts of the Old Post." Named one of the TOP TEN "Haunted Bases, Boats, and Battlefields" in America by Military Times and the Travel Channel! No advance tickets or reservations required, walk-ups are ALWAYS welcome! So grab a friend and come join the fun...If you dare!!!

*Photo - A pair of boys and their dog carry fishing poles near the mouth of the Saranac River, c. 1900. (visit this picturesque spot for yourself on tonight's tour!).

08/03/2024

GHOST TOURS TONIGHT!!! Edgar Allan Poe? The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?? Prepare for a frighteningly good time in Plattsburgh this evening with "The Dead of Delord's Point" at 7:00 pm! Guests will explore the Lake City's oldest neighborhood by flickering lantern light, home to many haunting tales, and even a long-forgotten graveyard! At 9:00 pm, experience "The Ghosts of the Old Post," where we'll pay a visit to the former "Plattsburgh Air Force Base" cemetery and grounds! Named one of the TOP TEN "Haunted Bases, Boats, and Battlefields" in America by Military Times and the Travel Channel! Grab a friend and come join the fun...if you dare!!!

**No advanced tickets or reservations required! Walk-ups are ALWAYS welcome!!!

08/02/2024

Just TWO HOURS to go before we kick off TONIGHT’S GHOST TOUR!! Join us in Trinity Park at 7:00 pm for "Dr. Beaumont's Tour of Terror!," an evening of spooky tales from Plattsburgh’s darker side! Our lantern-lit journey will take us among darkened mansions and forgotten alleyways as we share some of the Lake City's very best legends and lore. Grab a friend and come join the fun...if you dare!!!

**No advanced tickets or reservations required, walk-ups are ALWAYS welcome.

08/02/2024

GHOST TOUR TONIGHT!!! Who was Plattsburgh's deadliest resident? Which home is inhabited by the restless ghost of a British soldier?? Spine-tingling summer fun returns to downtown Plattsburgh this evening with "Dr. Beaumont's Tour of Terror!" Experience a lantern-lit journey among the darkened mansions and forgotten alleyways as we reveal some of the Lake City's most haunting tales! Grab a friend and come along...if you dare!!

**No advanced tickets or reservations required! Walk-ups are ALWAYS welcome!
Details at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1013010589999328

Hosting weekly, lantern-lit guided ghost tours in the Adirondack region of Upstate N.Y.

08/01/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! This amazing photograph takes us back to the early days of the 20th century, when motorized fire engines were just beginning to see use replacing horses here in the North Country. Plattsburgh's City Fire Department was established back in 1902 and here we see their very first fire truck, a 1915 American LaFrance, posed in front of the newly completed "City Hall." This chain-driven behemoth was powered by an equally enormous 14-litre, six-cylinder engine producing 105 horsepower, allowing the rig to achieve speeds of nearly 60 miles an hour! Behind the wheel is Chief Engineer Eli Seymour, who held the post from 1916, until his retirement in 1946.

07/31/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! Henry Ford...in Chazy? Born on July 30th, 1863, Henry Ford became famous as the man who "put America on wheels." But did you know that he was no stranger to the North Country? This amazing photograph was taken in 1919 and shows the man himself, Henry Ford (left), aboard "Sweet's Auto Ferry" at Chazy Landing! In the summertime, Mr. Ford was known for organizing elaborate road trips for himself and his friends. A group dubbed "the Vagabonds," which included such luminaries as Thomas Edison and John Burroughs. The photo shown here was taken during the group's 1919 foray through the Adirondacks. Just to Ford's left is E.G. Kingsford (for whom "Kingsford" charcoal is named), and to his left, wearing the overcoat, is Harvey Firestone, owner of Firestone Tires. Also pictured is Mr. Firestone's wife, Idabelle Smith Firestone. The group's caravan consisted of 50 vehicles that year, two of them personally designed by Ford, and included a mobile kitchen and full camp with tents, cots, chairs, and electric lights. William Sweet's auto ferry, known as the "Twin Boys," allowed the famous vacationers to conveniently cross Lake Champlain from Chazy Landing, to Isle La Motte, Vermont where the party continued on into New England.

07/30/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! A fantastic 19th Century photograph of the "Ausable Horse Nail Company" offices in Keeseville, New York! This amazing three-story structure, built of local sandstone, was completed around 1852. It originally served as the headquarters for the "Eagle Horse Nail Company," which explains the magnificently carved wooden eagle perched atop the roof. "Horse nails" were a part of everyday life prior to the age of the automobile; the ubiquitous fasteners used to attach a horseshoe to a horse's hoof. Utilizing a revolutionary machine developed by Keeseville inventor Daniel Dodge, 150 pounds of horse nails could be produced in the same time that it once took a blacksmith to make 10. By 1863, the Company was running 50 such machines. Keeseville quickly became famous for its horse nails, made of high-grade iron initially sourced from local mines. The nails manufactured here were shipped as far away as Europe and were prized for their strength and durability. Although the need for these nails eventually went the way of the horse and carriage, this remarkable structure still survives today and has been beautifully restored in recent years as the home of "Adirondack Architectural Heritage." In case you were wondering what became of the magnificent eagle, we can now share with you "the rest of the story," thanks to the diligent research of a local enthusiast. For years its location was unknown, and it was thought to be lost. We now know that sometime in the 1920s, the eagle was removed from its perch of 70 years and was ultimately acquired by Henry Francis DuPont, a prominent collector of early Americana. DuPont's Delaware estate, where the eagle still resides, was opened to the public in 1951 and now operates as the "Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library."

07/29/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! This rare photograph takes us over 100 years into the past for a glimpse of one of Plattsburgh's "lost landmarks:" the original "Smith W**d Bridge" on Cumberland Avenue! Generations of Lake City residents (especially children) came to know this as the "tickle bridge" or "old humpy," so called for the way your stomach dropped at certain speeds crossing its abrupt arch. Constructed in 1881, the little wooden and iron bridge spanning the railroad tracks was so well built that the local newspaper prophesized it would still be standing "a thousand years after the lake dries up." Though a bit shy of that mark, the W**d Bridge would ultimately serve travelers for nearly a century, long outlasting the days of the horse and buggy for which it was designed. The narrowness and grade of the antiquated span would give some residents pause for concern as the decades passed however. But, the fate of the bridge was ultimately decided by the railroad. In July of 1974, the Delaware and Hudson demolished the old crossing to accommodate their newer and larger rail cars, immediately sparking an intense controversy. Its replacement, the present "Smith W**d Bridge," would take five years to design and complete, finally opening to the public in June of 1979. What little remains of the "tickle bridge," the old limestone abutments, can still be seen today if you know where to look, covered in vines and mostly forgotten beside the roadway.

07/28/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! Do you remember this place?? It's a beautiful summer day here in Plattsburgh! Perfect for 18-cent hamburgers, a couple of "Michigans," or a walk down memory lane to this lost landmark: the "ORANGE JULEP!" Seen here in the early 1960s!! This amazing color snapshot was sent to us by Mr. Orv Salisbury and was taken by him while stationed at nearby "Plattsburgh Air Force Base." Looking like something right off from Route 66, the Orange Julep first opened in 1956 and was originally located at Cumberland Head corners, near "Gus' Red Hots." A year later, the entire restaurant was disassembled and moved piece by piece down North Margaret Street where it was re-built opposite the present-day McDonald's. The iconic orange-shaped fast food joint quickly became a North Country favorite and even featured its very own signature drink. The Julep was eventually demolished in the 1980s and today, only the weathered cement foundation and the old parking lot remain to tell the tale. For years afterwards, the orange-shaped restaurant continued to appear in publications about America's odd and unique eateries.

07/27/2024

*Just TWO HOURS to go before we kick of TONIGHT'S GHOST TOURS!!! Who is the restless apparition that wanders "Hawkin's Hall?" Which college dorm is built over an early pioneer's graveyard?? The spooky summer fun begins at 7:00 pm with "The Spirits of SUNY Plattsburgh," our lantern-lit tour of the Lake City's historic (and haunted!) university campus! The spine-tingling tales continue at the 9:00 hour with "The Ghosts of the Old Post," where we'll pay a visit to the former "Plattsburgh Air Force Base" cemetery and grounds! Named one of the TOP TEN haunted "Bases, Boats, and Battlefields" in America by Military Times and the Travel Channel! Not to be missed!!

**No advanced tickets or reservations are required! Walk-ups are ALWAYS welcome!

07/27/2024

GHOST TOURS TONIGHT!!! Who is the restless apparition that wanders "Hawkins Hall?" Which college dorm was built over an early settler's graveyard?? Experience this and more at 7:00 pm with "The Spirits of SUNY Plattsburgh:" a lantern-lit stroll through the Lake City's historic (and haunted) university campus! The spine-tingling tales continue at 9:00 with "The Ghosts of the Old Post," where we'll pay a visit to the former "Plattsburgh Air Force Base" cemetery and grounds! Named one of the TOP TEN "Haunted Bases, Boats, and Battlefields" in America by Military Times and the Travel Channel!!

**No advance tickets or reservations required! Walk-ups are ALWAYS welcome!!

07/26/2024

Just TWO HOURS to go before we kick of TONIGHT’S GHOST TOUR!! Join us in Trinity Park at 7pm for an evening of spooky tales from Plattsburgh’s darker side. Our lantern-lit journey will take us past darkened mansions and forgotten alleyways as we embark on “Dr. Beaumont’s Tour of Terror!” No advanced tickets or reservations required, walk-ups are ALWAYS welcome. Grab a friend and come join the fun...if you dare!!!

07/26/2024

GHOST TOUR TONIGHT!!! Spine-tingling summer fun returns to downtown Plattsburgh this evening with "Dr. Beaumont's Tour of Terror!" Experience a lantern-lit journey among the darkened mansions and forgotten alleyways as we reveal the Lake City's most haunting tales! Grab a friend and come along...if you dare!

**No advanced tickets or reservations required! Walk-ups are ALWAYS welcome!!



Margaret Street in downtown Plattsburgh, circa 1906

07/25/2024

What's even more terrifying? That this fiendish fellow was also lurking for a time, right here in the North Country!!! Explore the mysterious tale of the Champlain Valley's deadliest resident on this week's presentation of "Dr. Beaumont's Tour of Terror!" Beginning from Trinity Park THIS Friday at 7:00 pm! No advance tickets or reservations required, walk-ups are ALWAYS welcome! Grab a friend and come join the fun...if you dare!

07/25/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! How many of you remember "FANTASY KINGDOM??" This storybook themed amusement park once stood just 6 miles north of Plattsburgh at "St. Armand's Beach" (now known as "Point au Roche State Park"). The park was the dream of local businessman Norman Dame Sr. and opened in May of 1957. When completed, it featured 15 buildings taken from fairy tales including a giant's castle (seen here), Hansel and Gretal's candy house, the old woman who lived in a shoe, the homes of the three little pigs, Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, and a performance stage that looked like a giant tree stump, known as the "Paul Bunyan stage." An enormous pumpkin served as Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater's home and housed a small cafe. There was even a floating pirate ship, called the "Jolly Roger," a petting zoo, and a miniature train! Sadly, the park only operated for six years, closing in 1963. As with many other unique North Country attractions of the era, little remains of it today but fond memories...

07/24/2024

"Champ" captured on SONAR??? Perhaps! This mysterious object was recorded by angler Scott Thurber in July of 2023 while fishing for Lake Trout. Could it be the legendary Lake Champlain monster??

07/23/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! This incredible photograph takes us exactly 115 years into the past: to the downtown Plattsburgh of July, 1909. This image shows the buildings at the corner of "River Street" (present day "City Hall Place") and "Lower Court Street," beautifully decorated with patriotic flags and bunting. Much of the City's business district was draped in the flags of both the United States and France in celebration of the "Champlain Tercentenary," the 300th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's expedition to the Lake. Guests of honor for the event included New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes and President William H. Taft, who led a gala parade through the streets of town. Sadly, just over a century later, most of the eclectic 19th century buildings seen in this photograph are gone.

07/22/2024

Had to stop in for a treat at this Adirondack landmark today! Have you ever been here???

07/22/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! It's "Christmas in July" with this great 1950s photograph of "Santa's Workshop" in Wilmington, New York! First opened 75 years ago this month, in July of 1949, Santa's Workshop became one of the very first theme parks in the United States (a full six years before Disneyland)! It was designed by famed local artist Arto Monaco and featured the brightly colored buildings of Santa's home, complete with its own North Pole which stays frozen all year round. Storybook characters like Little Bo Peep and Sleeping Beauty greeted guests, while tame deer, goats, and sheep wandered the grounds, eager for a treat and a friendly pat from visitors. This unique Adirondack attraction also featured a train, a roller coaster, and other rides wrapped around the 13-acre park. Attendance peaked at 14,000 people in the fall of 1951 and today, Santa's Workshop remains the oldest theme park of its kind still in operation.

07/21/2024

Here's today's PHOTO OF THE DAY!!! It's NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY! A sweet annual tradition that began back in 1984. So, to celebrate we've brought along an entire wagon load of the stuff! This amazing photograph takes us to the downtown Plattsburgh of 115 years ago, July of 1909! A horse-drawn delivery of our favorite summer desert is seen here rolling up Margaret Street: barrels of fresh ice cream provided by the "H. N. C**n Ice Cream Company" of Burlington, Vermont. Destined for hungry guests at the "Champlain Tercentenary," the 300th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's expedition to the Lake. Much of the City, including the old Clinton County Courthouse (visible in the background) was festively decorated for the occasion with flags and bunting. The guest of honor was none other than the President of the United States, William Howard Taft, who led a grand parade through the streets of town. No doubt the President stopped to enjoy some ice cream as well! Be sure and treat yourself today!!