January 31, 2013
Sandra Weber and Historical Society Host
Although the Lake Placid Historical Society meets on a regular basis, this is the first time I am attending one of their functions. This evening they are presenting author/performer Sandra Weber to entertain and enlighten us while depicting characters from her recent book, Adirondack Roots.

Ms. Weber has been summering in the Adirondacks for many years and is now pleased and proud to call Elizabethtown, our County seat, her full-time home.

The venue tonight is the back room at the Lake Placid Howard Johnson's and folks are encouraged to come early and have dinner. A good part of the audience has done just that so when Ms. Weber begins, most folks are sipping coffee or nibbling on desserts. It has the makings of a promising evening of engaging dinner theatre right here in the North Country!

The book Adirondack Roots premiered in the summer of 2011 but Ms. Weber explains that it represents the past twenty years of her life. She has authored six books about the Adirondacks to date and describes it as a "wonderful ride."

Sandra Weber in Character
She shares a sample of "Writing Gone Astray" with us early on. We listen to her account of how 15-year-old Esther McComb, who set out to hike Whiteface Mountain on her own, ends up scaling what would become her own High Peak—Esther Mountain. A plaque commemorating her journey can be found at the summit. While researching this story Sandra ended up collaborating with singer/songwriter Peggy Lynn to produce a folksong about young Esther.

Sandra describes her journey as a writing project gone astray because her original intent was to write a children's book for her young daughters but as publishers would have it, her first books became historical journeys. She goes on to treat us to the story of how Mt. Jo was named—sharing the popular legend but grounding it in actual research. If you are not familiar with the local legend let's just say that love, tuberculosis, and Niagara Falls all play a role in the drama. I think there's a film waiting to be made here.

Jeanne Robert Foster portrayed by Sandra Weber
Ms. Weber then turns to her costume trunk, hikes up her skirt, and brings us Adirondack adventurer Kate Field from Boston. It is another enchanting tale of an independent woman who championed the Adirondack mountains.  She tops the evening off with a superb Jeanne Robert Foster—an American poet originally from Johnsburg, NY. Jeanne Foster married well, went to NYC where she hobnobbed with the rich and famous and even became a fashion model —cover of Vanity Fair. She never forgot her Adirondack roots and became a 46er (one who hikes all 46 peaks over 4,000 feet) finishing with Nippletop wearing a long dress of the period (and she lived to be 91).

Sandra tells her stories well, both on a platform and in print. Her other books about the region include Two in the Wilderness (with photos by Carl Heilman), Breaking Trail: Remarkable Women of the Adirondacks (with Peggy Lynn), Mount Marcy, and The Finest Square Mile.

For more information on this and the other lectures in the Lake Placid Historical Society's 2013 series, click through to the web site.

This winter is packed with arts events in the North Country. There are exhibit openings, live theatre, concerts, not to mention winter carnival events. Click through to Lake Placid events to find out about other winter arts events in the Adirondacks.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, swimming, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.

Sandra Weber and Historical Society Host
Sandra Weber in Character
Jeanne Robert Foster portrayed by Sandra Weber

Packages and Promotions

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Valid Dec. 1

- Dec. 25

Valid Aug. 8

- Dec. 19

Christmas Buy One Get One FREE

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Buy One Get One FREE on stays December 1 - December 25! Call 855-421-3002 to book today! Terms: Buy One Get One Free valid for stays December 1-25, 2024, Sunday - Wednesday nights. Not valid on existing reservations; new reservations only. Cannot be...

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Turkey Special in November

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Turkey Special In November - 3nts/4day weekend ($500/night: $1500) or 2 nts/3 day weekend ($600/night: $1200)

Valid Oct. 23

- Oct. 23

Valid Oct. 24

- Oct. 23

SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

New York Rental By Owner

SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid Dec. 6

- Dec. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 5

Girls Getaway Weekend

$75 Resort Credit per room per NIGHT to pamper the Girls!

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Experience the unspoiled Adirondacks while spoiling yourself and a loved one

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Outdoor Adventure Package

The Devlin

Maximize your time in the outdoors: book your room and a boat rental through HK Boat Rentals.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Town House Lodge by the Lake

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 25

100th Anniversary Package

100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Town House Lodge by the Lake

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Linger longer in the Adirondacks and be rewarded!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Stay and Save!

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay 3 nights and get 20% off.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Load More