Spaulding Block - Revision history

MWanner: Text replacement - "Charles Brown" to "Charles Brown"

2026-10-16T12:44:56Z

Text replacement - "Charles Brown" to "Charles Brown"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:44, 16 October 2026
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	A correspondence school hung out its shingle in an upper story room to serve the needs of aspiring local students.		A correspondence school hung out its shingle in an upper story room to serve the needs of aspiring local students.

	Unfortunately, however, there also happened to be a more tragic event associated with the building that recalls the role played by the Spaulding Block in Saranac Lake's first murder incident. On June 22nd, 1888, an altercation was taking place in Blood's Hotel (later the [[Riverside Inn]]) when [[George Berkeley\|George Berkeley]], the proprietor, refused to serve any more drinks to a guide named [[~~Charles Brown\|~~Charles Brown]]. A scuffle took place, ending with Brown's being ejected from the barroom. As he left he threatened to "get even." Going home he got his deer rifle and returned to Titus Spaulding's (his brother-in-law's) store which faced River Street and the opposite hotel. Here he waited until Berkeley stepped out on the porch, and he immediately fired the fatal shot which ended Berkeley's life. Brown fled to the woods and it was rumored that he finally relocated in Alaska never returning to this area.		Unfortunately, however, there also happened to be a more tragic event associated with the building that recalls the role played by the Spaulding Block in Saranac Lake's first murder incident. On June 22nd, 1888, an altercation was taking place in Blood's Hotel (later the [[Riverside Inn]]) when [[George Berkeley\|George Berkeley]], the proprietor, refused to serve any more drinks to a guide named [[Charles Brown]]. A scuffle took place, ending with Brown's being ejected from the barroom. As he left he threatened to "get even." Going home he got his deer rifle and returned to Titus Spaulding's (his brother-in-law's) store which faced River Street and the opposite hotel. Here he waited until Berkeley stepped out on the porch, and he immediately fired the fatal shot which ended Berkeley's life. Brown fled to the woods and it was rumored that he finally relocated in Alaska never returning to this area.

	On the night of July 26, 1926, the front porch of the Spaulding Block was crowded with spectators who came to watch the old town hall go down in flames. The fire reached its peak two hours after midnight and shortly after striking 2 a.m., the clock and tower came down in a fiery crash. This must have caused some concern for the onlookers who were so close to the inferno.		On the night of July 26, 1926, the front porch of the Spaulding Block was crowded with spectators who came to watch the old town hall go down in flames. The fire reached its peak two hours after midnight and shortly after striking 2 a.m., the clock and tower came down in a fiery crash. This must have caused some concern for the onlookers who were so close to the inferno.

MWanner: Text replacement - "Orlando Blood" to "Orlando Blood"

2026-10-16T12:41:00Z

Text replacement - "Orlando Blood" to "Orlando Blood"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:41, 16 October 2026
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	For many years the Spalding Block was the largest business block in this part of the state.		For many years the Spalding Block was the largest business block in this part of the state.

	[[~~Orlando Blood\|~~Orlando Blood]], owner of the old [[Riverside Inn]] and one of the owners of the [[Saranac Lake Electric Company\|Saranac Lake Light, Keep and Power Company]] [''sic''], financed Spalding in the building of the big brick block.		[[Orlando Blood]], owner of the old [[Riverside Inn]] and one of the owners of the [[Saranac Lake Electric Company\|Saranac Lake Light, Keep and Power Company]] [''sic''], financed Spalding in the building of the big brick block.

	In the Spring of 1892 Mr. Spalding failed in business and Blood foreclosed.		In the Spring of 1892 Mr. Spalding failed in business and Blood foreclosed.

MWanner: Text replacement - "Lake Street" to "Lake Street"

2026-07-15T10:28:04Z

Text replacement - "Lake Street" to "Lake Street"

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:28, 15 July 2026
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	As mentioned earlier, [[Winter Carnival]] parades pivoted where the two streets met, and garlands of evergreens criss-crossed above the intersection. During a World War I rally a speaker's stand was erected next to the Spaulding Block and all traffic was blocked off to accommodate thousands of supportive spectators. Announcements of coming attractions such as circus or Chautauqua meetings found prime advertisement space on the building walls. Second only to the town hall itself, Spaulding's seemed to be the public notice capitol of the village.		As mentioned earlier, [[Winter Carnival]] parades pivoted where the two streets met, and garlands of evergreens criss-crossed above the intersection. During a World War I rally a speaker's stand was erected next to the Spaulding Block and all traffic was blocked off to accommodate thousands of supportive spectators. Announcements of coming attractions such as circus or Chautauqua meetings found prime advertisement space on the building walls. Second only to the town hall itself, Spaulding's seemed to be the public notice capitol of the village.

	Directly across the street, between the town hall and the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire Hotel]], was the popular [[old footbridge\|old footbridge]] which spanned the river from Main to [[Dorsey street\|Dorsey street]]s terminating at the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]]. Most of the pedestrian travel made use of this shortcut to reach the upper [[~~Lake Street\|~~Lake Street]] and [[Algonquin Avenue\|Algonquin Avenue]] areas of the village. Prior to the building at the [[Petrova High School\|Petrova High School]], students living in the hill sector had to dash across the bridge to reach the old Main Street High School before the bell rang. In its strategic location the Spaulding Block could serenely witness a four-way traffic flow but, unfortunately, this same advantage would ultimately lead to its demise.		Directly across the street, between the town hall and the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire Hotel]], was the popular [[old footbridge\|old footbridge]] which spanned the river from Main to [[Dorsey street\|Dorsey street]]s terminating at the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]]. Most of the pedestrian travel made use of this shortcut to reach the upper [[Lake Street]] and [[Algonquin Avenue\|Algonquin Avenue]] areas of the village. Prior to the building at the [[Petrova High School\|Petrova High School]], students living in the hill sector had to dash across the bridge to reach the old Main Street High School before the bell rang. In its strategic location the Spaulding Block could serenely witness a four-way traffic flow but, unfortunately, this same advantage would ultimately lead to its demise.

	Ownership changed over the years and finally it became the property of [[Al Shortt\|Al Shortt]] who managed the Texaco dealership. In 1955 Mr. Shortt decided to tear down the Spaulding Block to make room for the expansion of the Texaco gas station at the corner of Main and River streets. During March and April of that year the building came down brick by brick and memory by memory. The demolition crew was made up of [[Earl Hazelton\|Earl Hazelton]], [[George Carter\|George Carter]], [[John Dewey\|John Dewey]], and [[Henry Sharkey\|Henry Sharkey]]. Most of the bricks found their way into local landfills while the structural timbers were salvaged to be sold as used lumber.		Ownership changed over the years and finally it became the property of [[Al Shortt\|Al Shortt]] who managed the Texaco dealership. In 1955 Mr. Shortt decided to tear down the Spaulding Block to make room for the expansion of the Texaco gas station at the corner of Main and River streets. During March and April of that year the building came down brick by brick and memory by memory. The demolition crew was made up of [[Earl Hazelton\|Earl Hazelton]], [[George Carter\|George Carter]], [[John Dewey\|John Dewey]], and [[Henry Sharkey\|Henry Sharkey]]. Most of the bricks found their way into local landfills while the structural timbers were salvaged to be sold as used lumber.

MWanner: Text replacement - "Wallace Murray" to "Wallace Murray"

2026-04-19T14:32:47Z

Text replacement - "Wallace Murray" to "Wallace Murray"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:32, 19 April 2026
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	[[William F. Duquette\|Bill Duquette]] at one time operated an electrical shop there.		[[William F. Duquette\|Bill Duquette]] at one time operated an electrical shop there.

	The building finally passed through the hands of Orlando Blood, to [[~~Wallace Murray\|~~Wallace Murray]] and later to the [[Francis Carpenter\|Francis Carpenter]] Estate. In September, 1942, Mr. Shortt purchased the structure.		The building finally passed through the hands of Orlando Blood, to [[Wallace Murray]] and later to the [[Francis Carpenter\|Francis Carpenter]] Estate. In September, 1942, Mr. Shortt purchased the structure.

	The building is the second landmark on Saranac Lake's Main st. to be razed during the last year. The first was the [[Linwood Cottage\|Linwood Cottage]].		The building is the second landmark on Saranac Lake's Main st. to be razed during the last year. The first was the [[Linwood Cottage\|Linwood Cottage]].

MWanner: Text replacement - "Riverside Inn" to "Riverside Inn"

2026-03-17T14:48:28Z

Text replacement - "Riverside Inn" to "Riverside Inn"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:48, 17 March 2026
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	By [[JOHN J. DUQUETTE]]		By [[JOHN J. DUQUETTE]]

	That old overworked cliche "gone but not forgotten" might well be genuinely applied to one of Saranac Lake's early commercial establishments that served a host of tenants during its 70 years of existence. When the '''Spaulding Block''', at the corner of Main and [[River street]]s, was torn down in 1955, many memories tumbled along with the rubble. Across [[Main Street]] from the Town Hall, and across River Street from the [[~~Riverside Inn\|~~Riverside Inn]], the building enjoyed a prominent location. At the rear was the village bandstand and the community bowling alleys, while the street intersection served as a focal point during [[winter carnival\|winter carnival]]s, parades, and World War I patriotic gatherings. All in all, the Spaulding Block witnessed a great deal of the community's activities.		That old overworked cliche "gone but not forgotten" might well be genuinely applied to one of Saranac Lake's early commercial establishments that served a host of tenants during its 70 years of existence. When the '''Spaulding Block''', at the corner of Main and [[River street]]s, was torn down in 1955, many memories tumbled along with the rubble. Across [[Main Street]] from the Town Hall, and across River Street from the [[Riverside Inn]], the building enjoyed a prominent location. At the rear was the village bandstand and the community bowling alleys, while the street intersection served as a focal point during [[winter carnival\|winter carnival]]s, parades, and World War I patriotic gatherings. All in all, the Spaulding Block witnessed a great deal of the community's activities.

	Built by [[Titus N. Spaulding\|Titus N. Spaulding]] in the mid-1880s [1882], it was the first brick edifice to be erected in the village. Because of its many varied tenants it could also be considered the area's first "mini-mall." Its three stories played host to an assortment of stores, offices, and apartments while one of the upstairs halls also served as the [[Catholic Church\|Catholic Church]] prior to the building of St. Bernard's.		Built by [[Titus N. Spaulding\|Titus N. Spaulding]] in the mid-1880s [1882], it was the first brick edifice to be erected in the village. Because of its many varied tenants it could also be considered the area's first "mini-mall." Its three stories played host to an assortment of stores, offices, and apartments while one of the upstairs halls also served as the [[Catholic Church\|Catholic Church]] prior to the building of St. Bernard's.
Line 36:		Line 36:
	A correspondence school hung out its shingle in an upper story room to serve the needs of aspiring local students.		A correspondence school hung out its shingle in an upper story room to serve the needs of aspiring local students.

	Unfortunately, however, there also happened to be a more tragic event associated with the building that recalls the role played by the Spaulding Block in Saranac Lake's first murder incident. On June 22nd, 1888, an altercation was taking place in Blood's Hotel (later the [[~~Riverside Inn\|~~Riverside Inn]]) when [[George Berkeley\|George Berkeley]], the proprietor, refused to serve any more drinks to a guide named [[Charles Brown\|Charles Brown]]. A scuffle took place, ending with Brown's being ejected from the barroom. As he left he threatened to "get even." Going home he got his deer rifle and returned to Titus Spaulding's (his brother-in-law's) store which faced River Street and the opposite hotel. Here he waited until Berkeley stepped out on the porch, and he immediately fired the fatal shot which ended Berkeley's life. Brown fled to the woods and it was rumored that he finally relocated in Alaska never returning to this area.		Unfortunately, however, there also happened to be a more tragic event associated with the building that recalls the role played by the Spaulding Block in Saranac Lake's first murder incident. On June 22nd, 1888, an altercation was taking place in Blood's Hotel (later the [[Riverside Inn]]) when [[George Berkeley\|George Berkeley]], the proprietor, refused to serve any more drinks to a guide named [[Charles Brown\|Charles Brown]]. A scuffle took place, ending with Brown's being ejected from the barroom. As he left he threatened to "get even." Going home he got his deer rifle and returned to Titus Spaulding's (his brother-in-law's) store which faced River Street and the opposite hotel. Here he waited until Berkeley stepped out on the porch, and he immediately fired the fatal shot which ended Berkeley's life. Brown fled to the woods and it was rumored that he finally relocated in Alaska never returning to this area.

	On the night of July 26, 1926, the front porch of the Spaulding Block was crowded with spectators who came to watch the old town hall go down in flames. The fire reached its peak two hours after midnight and shortly after striking 2 a.m., the clock and tower came down in a fiery crash. This must have caused some concern for the onlookers who were so close to the inferno.		On the night of July 26, 1926, the front porch of the Spaulding Block was crowded with spectators who came to watch the old town hall go down in flames. The fire reached its peak two hours after midnight and shortly after striking 2 a.m., the clock and tower came down in a fiery crash. This must have caused some concern for the onlookers who were so close to the inferno.
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	For many years the Spalding Block was the largest business block in this part of the state.		For many years the Spalding Block was the largest business block in this part of the state.

	[[Orlando Blood\|Orlando Blood]], owner of the old [[~~Riverside Inn\|~~Riverside Inn]] and one of the owners of the [[Saranac Lake Electric Company\|Saranac Lake Light, Keep and Power Company]] [''sic''], financed Spalding in the building of the big brick block.		[[Orlando Blood\|Orlando Blood]], owner of the old [[Riverside Inn]] and one of the owners of the [[Saranac Lake Electric Company\|Saranac Lake Light, Keep and Power Company]] [''sic''], financed Spalding in the building of the big brick block.

	In the Spring of 1892 Mr. Spalding failed in business and Blood foreclosed.		In the Spring of 1892 Mr. Spalding failed in business and Blood foreclosed.

MWanner: Text replacement - "River street" to "River street"

2026-03-17T14:26:40Z

Text replacement - "River street" to "River street"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:26, 17 March 2026
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	By [[JOHN J. DUQUETTE]]		By [[JOHN J. DUQUETTE]]

	That old overworked cliche "gone but not forgotten" might well be genuinely applied to one of Saranac Lake's early commercial establishments that served a host of tenants during its 70 years of existence. When the '''Spaulding Block''', at the corner of Main and [[~~River street\|~~River street]]s, was torn down in 1955, many memories tumbled along with the rubble. Across [[Main Street]] from the Town Hall, and across River Street from the [[Riverside Inn\|Riverside Inn]], the building enjoyed a prominent location. At the rear was the village bandstand and the community bowling alleys, while the street intersection served as a focal point during [[winter carnival\|winter carnival]]s, parades, and World War I patriotic gatherings. All in all, the Spaulding Block witnessed a great deal of the community's activities.		That old overworked cliche "gone but not forgotten" might well be genuinely applied to one of Saranac Lake's early commercial establishments that served a host of tenants during its 70 years of existence. When the '''Spaulding Block''', at the corner of Main and [[River street]]s, was torn down in 1955, many memories tumbled along with the rubble. Across [[Main Street]] from the Town Hall, and across River Street from the [[Riverside Inn\|Riverside Inn]], the building enjoyed a prominent location. At the rear was the village bandstand and the community bowling alleys, while the street intersection served as a focal point during [[winter carnival\|winter carnival]]s, parades, and World War I patriotic gatherings. All in all, the Spaulding Block witnessed a great deal of the community's activities.

	Built by [[Titus N. Spaulding\|Titus N. Spaulding]] in the mid-1880s [1882], it was the first brick edifice to be erected in the village. Because of its many varied tenants it could also be considered the area's first "mini-mall." Its three stories played host to an assortment of stores, offices, and apartments while one of the upstairs halls also served as the [[Catholic Church\|Catholic Church]] prior to the building of St. Bernard's.		Built by [[Titus N. Spaulding\|Titus N. Spaulding]] in the mid-1880s [1882], it was the first brick edifice to be erected in the village. Because of its many varied tenants it could also be considered the area's first "mini-mall." Its three stories played host to an assortment of stores, offices, and apartments while one of the upstairs halls also served as the [[Catholic Church\|Catholic Church]] prior to the building of St. Bernard's.

MWanner: Text replacement - "Coulter Block" to "Coulter Block"

2026-01-17T13:03:29Z

Text replacement - "Coulter Block" to "Coulter Block"

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:03, 17 January 2026
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	Alter Mr. Kern moved out of the store it was split up in several sections. Various businesses were conducted there throughout the years.		Alter Mr. Kern moved out of the store it was split up in several sections. Various businesses were conducted there throughout the years.

	The [[Potter and Co. Bankers\|Potter and Co. Bankers]], which was purchased and became the [[Adirondack National Bank\|Adirondack National Bank]], had offices there. The bank moved to the Kollecker site, then known as the [[~~Coulter Block\|~~Coulter Block]], and stayed there until it bought the present site across the road on Main st.		The [[Potter and Co. Bankers\|Potter and Co. Bankers]], which was purchased and became the [[Adirondack National Bank\|Adirondack National Bank]], had offices there. The bank moved to the Kollecker site, then known as the [[Coulter Block]], and stayed there until it bought the present site across the road on Main st.

	The Saranac Lake Light, Keep and Power Co., moved into Lamy's office. The power company was sold and is known today as [[Paul Smith's Electric Light and Power Co.\|Paul Smith's Electric Light and Power Co.]] Offices were maintained in the Spalding Block until the present building was built around 1922.		The Saranac Lake Light, Keep and Power Co., moved into Lamy's office. The power company was sold and is known today as [[Paul Smith's Electric Light and Power Co.\|Paul Smith's Electric Light and Power Co.]] Offices were maintained in the Spalding Block until the present building was built around 1922.

MWanner: Text replacement - "LaPan Highway" to "LaPan Highway"

2026-01-14T18:39:24Z

Text replacement - "LaPan Highway" to "LaPan Highway"

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:39, 14 January 2026
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	Gone today, in addition to the Spaulding block, are the old town hall, the footbridge, the Empire Hotel, and the Riverside Inn. Presently the Sugar Creek convenience store and gas station has acquired the Spaulding site while the Riverside Inn has given way to a village park which, by the way, features a bandstand directly across River Street from where an earlier bandstand stood 85 years ago.		Gone today, in addition to the Spaulding block, are the old town hall, the footbridge, the Empire Hotel, and the Riverside Inn. Presently the Sugar Creek convenience store and gas station has acquired the Spaulding site while the Riverside Inn has given way to a village park which, by the way, features a bandstand directly across River Street from where an earlier bandstand stood 85 years ago.

	By far the greatest change took place in 1958 with the construction of the [[~~LaPan Highway\|~~LaPan Highway]] to connect with Rt. 3 to the west. Following the course of the former footbridge, the new construction wiped out some buildings on the river side of Main Street, among them being the [[Miller homestead\|Miller homestead]], the oldest residence in the village. Cross street neighbors for so many years, the Spaulding Block and the Miller house together witnessed a great deal of local history.		By far the greatest change took place in 1958 with the construction of the [[LaPan Highway]] to connect with Rt. 3 to the west. Following the course of the former footbridge, the new construction wiped out some buildings on the river side of Main Street, among them being the [[Miller homestead\|Miller homestead]], the oldest residence in the village. Cross street neighbors for so many years, the Spaulding Block and the Miller house together witnessed a great deal of local history.

	Just in case you are wondering what "happened to the old Riverside bar, it was stored at the [[Floyd-Jones Camp\|Floyd-Jones (McMartin) camp]] on [[Lower Saranac Lake]]. Who knows where it will turn up next?		Just in case you are wondering what "happened to the old Riverside bar, it was stored at the [[Floyd-Jones Camp\|Floyd-Jones (McMartin) camp]] on [[Lower Saranac Lake]]. Who knows where it will turn up next?

MWanner: Text replacement - "Winter Carnival" to "Winter Carnival"

2026-01-11T21:00:39Z

Text replacement - "Winter Carnival" to "Winter Carnival"

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:00, 11 January 2026
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	[[File:Footbridge.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500x500px\|The [[old footbridge]] over the [[Saranac River]], early 1920s. The old [[Main Street bridge]] can be seen at right, and the [[Riverside Inn]] is in the background. The [[Dorsey Street]] end of the bridge was at the [[Villa Dorsey]]. ''[[Adirondack Daily Enterprise]]'', October 2, 2004 ]]		[[File:Footbridge.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500x500px\|The [[old footbridge]] over the [[Saranac River]], early 1920s. The old [[Main Street bridge]] can be seen at right, and the [[Riverside Inn]] is in the background. The [[Dorsey Street]] end of the bridge was at the [[Villa Dorsey]]. ''[[Adirondack Daily Enterprise]]'', October 2, 2004 ]]

	As mentioned earlier, [[~~Winter Carnival\|~~Winter Carnival]] parades pivoted where the two streets met, and garlands of evergreens criss-crossed above the intersection. During a World War I rally a speaker's stand was erected next to the Spaulding Block and all traffic was blocked off to accommodate thousands of supportive spectators. Announcements of coming attractions such as circus or Chautauqua meetings found prime advertisement space on the building walls. Second only to the town hall itself, Spaulding's seemed to be the public notice capitol of the village.		As mentioned earlier, [[Winter Carnival]] parades pivoted where the two streets met, and garlands of evergreens criss-crossed above the intersection. During a World War I rally a speaker's stand was erected next to the Spaulding Block and all traffic was blocked off to accommodate thousands of supportive spectators. Announcements of coming attractions such as circus or Chautauqua meetings found prime advertisement space on the building walls. Second only to the town hall itself, Spaulding's seemed to be the public notice capitol of the village.

	Directly across the street, between the town hall and the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire Hotel]], was the popular [[old footbridge\|old footbridge]] which spanned the river from Main to [[Dorsey street\|Dorsey street]]s terminating at the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]]. Most of the pedestrian travel made use of this shortcut to reach the upper [[Lake Street\|Lake Street]] and [[Algonquin Avenue\|Algonquin Avenue]] areas of the village. Prior to the building at the [[Petrova High School\|Petrova High School]], students living in the hill sector had to dash across the bridge to reach the old Main Street High School before the bell rang. In its strategic location the Spaulding Block could serenely witness a four-way traffic flow but, unfortunately, this same advantage would ultimately lead to its demise.		Directly across the street, between the town hall and the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire Hotel]], was the popular [[old footbridge\|old footbridge]] which spanned the river from Main to [[Dorsey street\|Dorsey street]]s terminating at the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]]. Most of the pedestrian travel made use of this shortcut to reach the upper [[Lake Street\|Lake Street]] and [[Algonquin Avenue\|Algonquin Avenue]] areas of the village. Prior to the building at the [[Petrova High School\|Petrova High School]], students living in the hill sector had to dash across the bridge to reach the old Main Street High School before the bell rang. In its strategic location the Spaulding Block could serenely witness a four-way traffic flow but, unfortunately, this same advantage would ultimately lead to its demise.

MWanner: Text replacement - "Main Street" to "Main Street"

2026-01-11T20:44:02Z

Text replacement - "Main Street" to "Main Street"

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:44, 11 January 2026
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	'''Address:''' torn down, 1955		'''Address:''' torn down, 1955

	'''Old Address:''' 25-29 [[~~Main Street\|~~Main Street]]		'''Old Address:''' 25-29 [[Main Street]]

	'''Other names: '''Al Shortt/Ken Lawless Texaco, Wilson Farms, Verizon store		'''Other names: '''Al Shortt/Ken Lawless Texaco, Wilson Farms, Verizon store
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	By [[JOHN J. DUQUETTE]]		By [[JOHN J. DUQUETTE]]

	That old overworked cliche "gone but not forgotten" might well be genuinely applied to one of Saranac Lake's early commercial establishments that served a host of tenants during its 70 years of existence. When the '''Spaulding Block''', at the corner of Main and [[River street\|River street]]s, was torn down in 1955, many memories tumbled along with the rubble. Across [[~~Main Street\|~~Main Street]] from the Town Hall, and across River Street from the [[Riverside Inn\|Riverside Inn]], the building enjoyed a prominent location. At the rear was the village bandstand and the community bowling alleys, while the street intersection served as a focal point during [[winter carnival\|winter carnival]]s, parades, and World War I patriotic gatherings. All in all, the Spaulding Block witnessed a great deal of the community's activities.		That old overworked cliche "gone but not forgotten" might well be genuinely applied to one of Saranac Lake's early commercial establishments that served a host of tenants during its 70 years of existence. When the '''Spaulding Block''', at the corner of Main and [[River street\|River street]]s, was torn down in 1955, many memories tumbled along with the rubble. Across [[Main Street]] from the Town Hall, and across River Street from the [[Riverside Inn\|Riverside Inn]], the building enjoyed a prominent location. At the rear was the village bandstand and the community bowling alleys, while the street intersection served as a focal point during [[winter carnival\|winter carnival]]s, parades, and World War I patriotic gatherings. All in all, the Spaulding Block witnessed a great deal of the community's activities.

	Built by [[Titus N. Spaulding\|Titus N. Spaulding]] in the mid-1880s [1882], it was the first brick edifice to be erected in the village. Because of its many varied tenants it could also be considered the area's first "mini-mall." Its three stories played host to an assortment of stores, offices, and apartments while one of the upstairs halls also served as the [[Catholic Church\|Catholic Church]] prior to the building of St. Bernard's.		Built by [[Titus N. Spaulding\|Titus N. Spaulding]] in the mid-1880s [1882], it was the first brick edifice to be erected in the village. Because of its many varied tenants it could also be considered the area's first "mini-mall." Its three stories played host to an assortment of stores, offices, and apartments while one of the upstairs halls also served as the [[Catholic Church\|Catholic Church]] prior to the building of St. Bernard's.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:32, 19 April 2026
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	[[William F. Duquette\|Bill Duquette]] at one time operated an electrical shop there.		[[William F. Duquette\|Bill Duquette]] at one time operated an electrical shop there.

	The building finally passed through the hands of Orlando Blood, to [[~~Wallace Murray\|~~Wallace Murray]] and later to the [[Francis Carpenter\|Francis Carpenter]] Estate. In September, 1942, Mr. Shortt purchased the structure.		The building finally passed through the hands of Orlando Blood, to [[Wallace Murray]] and later to the [[Francis Carpenter\|Francis Carpenter]] Estate. In September, 1942, Mr. Shortt purchased the structure.

	The building is the second landmark on Saranac Lake's Main st. to be razed during the last year. The first was the [[Linwood Cottage\|Linwood Cottage]].		The building is the second landmark on Saranac Lake's Main st. to be razed during the last year. The first was the [[Linwood Cottage\|Linwood Cottage]].