I recently read fellow Times-Union blogger Eric Medved’s piece on the new professional basketball team that will begin play at the Armory this spring, the Albany Legends of the IBL. In reading the article, I noticed a small synopsis of Albany’s pro basketball history, which read like this: In the 1970’s, the Schaefer Brewers travelled…
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The Albany Indestructible Phonograph Record
During the years I wrote for Goldmine Magazine (1996-2006), I always wanted to delve into an article on the earliest sound preservation format – the cylinder record. Unfortunately, my editors at the time, while recognizing the importance of cylinder records and their existence from the 1890’s to as late as 1929, felt that the format…
Read MorePhotographing in St. Agnes Cemetery
About a month ago, I was reading Metroland and saw a notice for an open photography contest. The contest was hosted by St. Agnes Cemetery in Albany, and the photo subject had to involve something within the cemetery itself. But by the time I saw the contest bulletin, the deadline was only a week away.…
Read MorePhotographing the Poestenkill Gorge Falls
Last year, when I attended the Octoberfest festivities in Troy, I purchased a book as a benefit for the Rensselaer-Taconic Land Conservancy. The book, “Natural Areas of Rensselaer County, New York – Second Edition,” featured several different walkways and hiking paths, as well as vintage photography of many of the original trails and buildings and…
Read MoreHow I found the 1942 AHL All-Star Game
The American Hockey League has a long and proud history. Numerous centers, wingers, defensemen, goaltenders and coaches have playe their way from the midnight bus rides to the NHL. It’s a proud legacy, the source of many excellent books on team histories. And in 1997, I found something that the league completely forgot it ever…
Read MoreWhen the Beatles Played in Albany… their movies, that is…
There’s a store in Crossgates Mall where, if you’re feeling nostalgic about Albany’s past history, you can purchase an old photograph of Albany’s legacy, and hang it on your wall. Want a picture of downtown from the early 20th century? They’ve got it. Want a picture of the Empire State Plaza’s Egg in mid-construction? They’ve…
Read MoreThe Rise and Fall of Rocshire Records and the loss of Stacy Davis
I received a contact a few days ago on an old blog I once operated before I joined up with the Times-Union. And it brought back memories. Both good memories and painful ones. Once again, we have to climb into the WABAC machine. It’s the spring of 1983, and the college radio station I worked…
Read MoreHess Toy Trucks: The Holiday Season Begins
These were the perfect mixture of child entertainment and corporate branding. Every year, the snows of November would signal a special treat at your local Hess gas stations, including the many Hess stations that still populate the Capital District. From 1964, and continuing uninterrupted to today, the holiday season for us kids didn’t really begin…
Read MoreThe Best and the Worst: My Four Seasons with Hockey Ink!
Last Monday, my Street Academy trivia team took home the big prize at Revolution Hall – which included tickets to the Albany River Rats game on Halloween weekend. For me, it will be the first time in over 12 years that I’ve seen a Rats game. Why so long? For that answer, I have to…
Read MoreAlbany’s First Professional Basketball Team: The 1920’s Senators
Their star forward was only 5’4″ tall. One of their guards switched to baseball by the end of the season. Most of the players suited up for different teams in different leagues – during the same season. 5,000 fans, including New York Governor Al Smith, packed the Washington Avenue Armory to see their games. And…
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Chuck The Writer 