Parades, formal balls, and long beards will all be part of the Village of Ballston Spa’s bicentennial celebration starting in January. A committee of volunteers has been making party plans for nearly 12 months to mark the occasion for the village that is steeped in history.
We want everyone living in the area to know about the village’s prominent place in local history, said bicentennial committee chairman John Mancini. `This is the time for Ballston Spa to shine, and everyone is invited to join in.`
Major commerce and tourism draw
The county seat since 1816, the Village of Ballston Spa was once a major gateway to the Saratoga region. In the early 1800s, a major railroad arrived, crossing 12 downtown streets. Trains were used to ship ice and other perishables nationwide, making the village a hub for commerce and trade.
The George West and Union Bag and Paper Company provided brisk business for the village. But the village’s shining stars were the elegant hotels, most prominently The Sans Souci, built in 1803 by Nicholas Low, which occupied most of the block in the downtown hub. The stately hotel drew wealthy guests not only for the luxury of the surroundings, but also for a chance to bathe, drink and relax by the natural mineral springs.
`The springs were thought to have mystical healing elements,` said Mancini.
`They were known throughout the country as a place for rejuvenation, both physically and mentally. Most people think of Saratoga Springs as the historical place for mineral waters, but in fact it was our village that first drew people in.`
The Medbery Hotel, once known as the Village Hotel, built in 1804, has in recent years been restored as part of a million dollar project. It has reopened as a luxurious spa and inn, owned by village residents Dolores and Jim Taisey. The inn reflects a glimpse into the village’s former historic grandeur.
Bicentennial happenings
`This will be the party of the century,` said Village Mayor John Romano. Plans include a formal ball in January, in which guests are asked to dress in period clothing. The event will feature a feast replete with foods enjoyed in days gone by, as well as a display of vintage autos and horse carriages.
In the spring, Front Street will be dubbed Bicentennial Way for the year, and the first village meeting will be re-enacted. A time capsule sealed in 1957 will be cracked open, and another physical record of 2007 will be prepared for an opening in 2057.
Members of the Friends of the Village of Ballston Spa Public Library are prepping oral histories of residents and leaders who founded the village and lived to see it flourish. As a tribute from area youth, students in the district will pen poems and essays about their impressions of the village.
`We’re looking forward to reading their stories,` said Mancini. `There’s nothing like seeing historical happenings through the eyes of kids.`
Also in the works are a block party on Bicentennial Way and a parade planned to be hours long.
`Even today we’re known for our community parades,` said Romano. `But this will be the big one.`
A hairy issue
Perhaps the most unusual and visible show of bicentennial cheer will be the facial hair cropping up on the men in the village pledging to join the `Brothers of the Brush.`
In keeping with the fashion of 200 years ago, men are asked to refrain from shaving from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, and yes, Romano will be joining the club.
`I had a moustache in the days of my youth, so it will be interesting to see what happens,` said Romano. `I promised the guys I would be the fearless leader of the brush.`
While full beards, mutton chops, goatees, sideburns and moustaches will be sprouting on men, women have a different challenge entirely.
`Women are asked to refrain from appearing in public or the highways while wearing make-up, nail varnish, perfume, jewelry, or tinted, dyed or bleached hairdos,` said Romano.
The women are given a way out, however. Anyone wishing to adorn themselves can purchase an official pin which permits them to wearing accessories and flattering hairstyles. Proceeds from the sales of the pins will be funneled toward the many free events throughout the Bicentennial year.
According to the committee’s official decree, evaders of the mandates will be turned over to Ye Bicentennial Kops and Ye Awful Judges of the Bicentennial to be tried in Kangaroo Kourt.
Read all about it
Another key element in the historical happenings is a just-released book painstakingly written by residents Paul and Marilyn Pastore. The Pastores combed through hundreds of historical photographs and documents for their book, Streetscapes Through Time. The books, printed in a limited edition of 1,500, are already selling like hotcakes for $20 at the village’s municipal office.
An open invitation
Planners of the yearlong bash invite all area residents to join in the fanfare.
`Most of all, we want this to be a time for people to come together and celebrate,` said Mancini. `At the next village milestone, we want to be remembered as throwing a party that does the village justice.`
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