The Things Contest!

Editor's Note:  Eric Alberta, a member of our History Advisory Board and resident of Copake Falls, has worked for more than 30 years as an antiques appraiser with a particular specialty in antique toys and games.  Most recently, he catalogued the toy boat collection from the prestigious Forbes Gallery  in New York City for Sotheby's.  He can frequently be seen on Antiques Roadshow where he is often asked, "What's That Thing (worth!)?"

Welcome to The Things Contest! This is your chance to win a highly fashionable, soon to be collectible, Friends of Taconic State Park t-shirt.  Simply examine the photographs, “trove” the past, search your memory and report your findings! 

The first person to post the correct answers wins!

But first, a word about the inspiration for this contest. I am a proud member of Friends of the Taconic State Park and serve on the HistoryAdvisory Board.  At a recent meeting held at the Copake Iron Works Machine Shop, a room filled with  puzzling objects rich with the air of bygone eras, I was reminded of my own past.

I grew up in a rural area surrounded by relatives who were born at the end of the nineteenth or the beginning of the twentieth century.   I listened to their stories of ancient times with amazement and awe: kerosene lamps instead of electric bulbs, iceboxes instead of refrigerators, a world void of television, gas powered lawnmowers, and Polaroid film.  Perhaps because of this early education I developed a love of history and objects (Things!) that represent the past. By examining these objects we can get a glimpse of a vanished world and a deeper understanding of our own times. I hope this contest is fun for readers and will encourage you to look at everyday objects, learn what they are, and share your discoveries. I also hope that if you have items or stories associated with the Park and the Iron Works you will bring them to our attention (see below).

Clues have been woven into the introduction but here are a few more:

Photo 1 The Grim Reaper's Best Friend

Photo 1.  The photo’s background speaks to this Thing’s use. Bonus clue: This Thing is the Grim Reaper’s best friend.

Photo 2 - A thousand words!

Photo 2. This Thing was capable of producing the equivalent of a thousand words.

Photo 3 - Oh so cold!

Photo 3. If you think this Thing was used for logging you are very cold.

For the exciting conclusion to this contest including the answers and the name of the winner tune in next week to these pages.

But wait there’s more!  A Bonus Round! For a limited time only a second prize will be awarded to the person who writes the best description, provides historical information or anecdotes about the Park, delivers the most humorous answers or correctly corrects the author.  The bonus round prizewinner will be awarded a one-year Individual’s membership to Friends of the Taconic State Park. Since many of you are wisely already members, give the membership to a friend. In so doing your friend becomes a new Friend of the Friends of the Taconic State Park.