When you think of Lake Placid, or even the Adirondacks, you might not immediately think of diversity. Lake Placid is a place of natural beauty, charming small towns, epic history, and adventures for all. The Adirondacks belong to everybody, and all are welcome here. But it wasn't always that way. The change in perception can be traced back to one man.

The Backstory

In the 1950s, Lake Placid was similar to many small American towns, and discrimination was common. But something changed the attitudes of the locals. Many can remember being told by their parents not to associate with those of different races. Many African Americans came to this area to work as staff at the resorts, clubs, and private lodges. They faced the same prejudice that people faced in other parts of the country.

Enter Charlie Walker

In 1946, a young African American man, fresh from service in the Marine Corps in WWII, came to Lake Placid to be a houseman. There he discovered figure skating and become enamoured with the sport. His name was Charlie Walker, and he soon made a reputation for himself as an energetic and talented performer. A search of newspapers from that era resulted in dozens and dozens of show announcements and reviews touting Walker’s showmanship. He became a member of the Lake Placid Skating Club and even served as its president. In 1963 he became the first African American to become a US Figure Skating Judge. He worked with young figure skaters and quickly become known for his talent, style, and irrepressible smile.

But it wasn’t just Walker’s talent on the ice that left a mark on the village of Lake Placid.

Our Man

Time and time again in my research I uncovered glowing remarks on Charlie Walker’s character. He was a devout churchgoer, participating in the choir and service ministries at the Adirondack Community Church. And he became as well known for his singing. Countless articles reviewed his performances at Uihlein Mercy Center, Lake Placid Sinfonietta, community theater, and many other events. He served on the Board of Directors for the Lake Placid Center for the Arts and was a member of the Kiwanis Club.

In 2012, Walker was inducted into the Lake Placid Hall of Fame. At the ceremony, Barbara Kelly said that to be inducted into the Hall of Fame “means that you have left your mark on the community.” And that is definitely true of Walker, though the results are more subtle than having buildings or mountains named after him. Jim Rogers, a North Elba town justice credited Walker as being an ambassador to the village. Of Walker he said:

“He became a real member of this community, singing for weddings, singing in church, helping out wherever he could…and most of all, becoming a person that was respected and admired for who he was, not for the color of his skin. I’ve had African Americans tell me, when they came to live in Lake Placid, they discovered a welcoming community with very little prejudice - and soon found out it was because of our man.”

In an article for the Lake Placid News, Barbara Kelly also credited Charlie Walker as responsible for the change in attitude in the village. When Charlie Walker moved away in 1985, over a hundred people showed up to a party in his honor, to give well wishes, compliments, and gifts. Later that year, Walker sent a letter that was published in the Lake Placid News where he wrote, “Thank you, Lake Placid and the entire area, for a wonderful life…”

I think it’s safe to say that Lake Placid is equally grateful for that wonderful life.

Sadly, Walker passed in April of 2013. But he left behind a legacy that will be felt for generations.

For more information about our local Adirondack history, check out the history page or our local bookstores.

Additional information was found in the Lake Placid News