April 1999
In this issue:
George Weinheimer: An Inspiration in Art & Life
A Peek In the Window: 232 Union Street
Bill Massoth: Trains, Railroads, Schenectady and The Stockade
STOCKADE ASSOCIATION Board Meeting Highlights
To the Members of The Stockade Association
George Weinheimer: An Inspiration
in Art & Life 
On
Sunday, April 11 at noon there will be a reception for George Weinheimer’s art exhibit at the
First Unitarian Society. For a man who can’t recall how many works of art he’s
done since taking to the brush, he does
know that 30 of his works will be exhibited, 25 paintings/drawings and the rest
sculptures in wood.
Our fellow Stockadian (he lives in the aqua colored house on Front) loves working with wood. Attesting to this, he told me that his father brought a 4” Ginkgo seedling from Buffalo during the 1950’s. The Ginkgo thrives today. Also, an awesome-size spruce stands in his back-yard standing guard over the Stockade. He says it’s the tallest tree in the Stockade. This spruce was started as a seed in 1940.
As he stated for a Gazette article a few weeks back: “I always wanted to make the animal, not a picture.” Weinheimer’s love for animals since childhood motivated him to apply to Cornell for Veterinary Science studies. Once he realized the enormity of this prospect-50 openings with 500 applicants applying- he decided on, you guessed it, majoring in art.
He’s made a full time career of art ever since. Both
he and his wife have taught art in the Schenectady and Niskayuna school systems
respectively. They’ve also traveled extensively. Most of George’s wooden
sculptures depict animals that he’s seen in the wild throughout the world. Not
surprisingly, George has a son who is a principal at the Yates Magnet School
for Art in Schenectady.
Today, George is back at doing what he loves most -
painting. His best works are oil. You can find him at the Laighton
Galleries on State Street by Proctor’s. Most importantly, his health has never
been better. He owes a lot of his recovery after several surgeries to the
ancient healing art of tai-chi. Not only are his works of art inspirational but
also is his will to live life to its fullest
-Gerald Plante
A Peek In the Window: 232 Union Street 
This home was built around 1900 along with its neighbors, 230 and 234, and is typical of the brownstone townhouse. Deceiving from the front entrance, what a grand mansion is hidden inside! Upon entering the spacious hallway, one is surrounded by warm, rich wood paneling on the ceiling and walls. The elegant glass double doors lead into a spacious parlor with bay window, parquet floors and a delicate pastel mosaic edged fireplace. This home has actually four unique fireplaces; an oak carved and pillared fireplace is revealed through the pocket doors leading into the dining room.
The sunroom at the back of the dining room has its own porch with views of the landscaped and patioed gardens. An all new modern kitchen is decorated with shuttered windows and has a nearby half bath. Climbing the wide banistered stairway leads to a suite arrangement on the second floor with a master bedroom with bay window, fireplace, and arched alcove. A passageway leading into the next room is actually an original built-in closet complete with wardrobe, drawers and cupboards. The second floor bathroom has a claw-footed tub.
The third floor echoes the second floor arrangement.
Each room has its own closet; there’s a sprinkler system throughout the house.
The carriage house acts as a two car garage with the original loft for additional
storage. The finished full basement is set up for an office. Listed
for $198,000 with Blackman and Destefano.
Contact Jack Horan
at 439-2888; voice mail: 435-0142.
Bill Massoth: Trains, Railroads, Schenectady and The Stockade
Did
you know that there was an underground railroad in the Stockade and I’m not
talking about hiding slaves?
In talking to Bill Massoth I learned that there actually was a subway tunnel that connected the Saratoga and Schenectady Railroad (over the Washington Avenue bridge), to the Mohawk and Hudson railroad on State Street. That’s what’s on the plaque at #3 Front Street. And I learned that this tunnel went right through my own backyard! The tunnel went under Front, Union and State Streets, and was open the rest of the way, leading through other Stockade backyards. This 1836 map found on the Schenectady Public Library Website shows its path!
Bill,
a Board member of the Historical Society, will show slides at his presentation,
“Railroads and Schenectady,” Saturday, April 10th, 1:30 PM Social, 2:00 PM at
The Schenectady County Historical Society, 32 Washington Avenue. Come hear the
story about all the early trains and stations. The Mohawk and Hudson was the
first steam railroad in New York State. And do you know what a bogie truck is,
a cowcatcher, or the White Elephant Line? Bill’s talk will be peppered with
stories of train robberies, mysteries, and firsts.
Growing up, Bill had model trains, and he made the landscapes for them. He loved to go to the South Schenectady yards and listen to the trains. Oh, I hear one now!
- Sylvia Briber
STOCKADE ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting Highlights
Emily Curtis, Board Secretary
The Stockade Association Board of Directors met on March 2, 1999. Greg Sauer presented the draft of a paper to be presented to the Metroplex Authority’s consultant regarding the rebirth of Schenectady ‘s downtown. This paper was also presented at the March 11 Stockade Association General Meeting.
The Board discussed several upcoming Stockade events, including the Riverside Park Clean-up, the Sidewalk Sale, Sunday in the Park, and the Walkabout. Anyone interested
in helping with these events should contact a board member and watch The Spy for more information.
The Stockade Association was recognized in the Gazette for their presentation regarding Richard Alois’ work in the Stockade. The code enforcement committee reported that 12 to 14 houses in the Stockade are vacant and in need of maintenance. The Board of Directors decided to strengthen the pressure on private owners and banks to maintain and repair vacant properties in the neighborhood.
To the Members of The Stockade Association:
Although I informally thanked the Board of Directors recently, I would like to extend my thanks to all Stockade Association members for the decision to contribute generously to The Heritage Foundation Memorial Fund in jack’s name. The Foundation is a complementary organization to the Association and will use the funds to benefit The Stockade.
Our family appreciates the tribute very much.
Jean
B. Zegger
Stockade Sidewalk Sale
Mark your calendars - the
annual Stockade Sidewalk Sale will be Saturday. June 5. Don’t throw
away your things when you begin your spring cleaning - sell them instead at our
neighborhood sidewalk sale! More details in the May issue of The Spy. Interested in being a volunteer? Contact Emily Curtis.
The “OTHER” Volleyball Team
A new group of people who haven’t played volleyball in years, (perhaps never!) wants to get together for some fun. Starting Monday nights - probably in May - around 6:30 PM. (We’re flexible.) If interested, call Lidia Pasamanick.
“STOOP AWARDS”
Beautification Program In Our Neighborhood
In previous years the Stockade
Association has given awards for visible gardens that enhance our
neighborhood. More and more people have taken part in this program and that was
our goal - to beautify The Stockade.
This year awards will be given for the overall appearance and condition of the front stoops or porches as follows:
• First Prize and cash award: $200
• Second Prize and cash award $100
•Most Improved prize and cash award $100
(for consideration of this award, before and after photos must be submitted to the Garden Club do Helen Giulietti at 109 Front Street.)
Judging will be completed by Aug. 1, 1999. Judges will do a walkabout of the entire Stockade, as they have done each year, before a decision is made. Each stoop will be considered (except Board members).
Signs will be given to winners to display on their property until Sept. 30th. They will be returned to the Garden Club and awarded again next year to new winners.