Northern Finger Lake Area, New York

Our journey continued from the 1000 Islands to the Finger Lake Region, Montezuma, NY.  Stop had two purposes: 1) to see the area, 2) Larry last wrist check with a Syracuse Orthopedic (fully released bone was completely "welded", OK to begin rehab. 

  

Seneca Falls is known as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement.  Notable former residents include Amelia Bloomer ,who popularized the undergarments that bore her name, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, organizer of the first Women’s Rights Convention and an early feminist leader.  The first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls in 1848.

  

In 1848 Elizabeth Cady Stanton and four other women invited the public to the First Women's Rights Convention to discuss expanding the role of women in America. At the end of the two days, 100 people made a public commitment to work together to improve women’s quality of life. While women have achieved greater equality with the vote, property rights, and education, the revolution continues today. 68 women and 32 men signed the Declaration of Sentiments drafted by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the M'Clintock family.

 

Stanton's home

Seneca Falls was an industrial boom town prior to 1848.  It was part of the national shift from a farming to an industrial economy.  Water-powered factories like the knitting mills sprang up along the water.  In the "new" economy men earned cash that their wives then spent buying factory-made goods. 

Am sure we have all seem a ruler made by this company, Westcott, of Seneca Falls

Some history.  One of the challenges of the churches was to try to "save" society, by ending what they saw as a social sins like drinking alcohol, slavery, and prostitution.

This Italianate style home was built in the 1850's.  Numerous homes from this era still remain.

The Cayuga-Seneca Canal connects Cayuga and Seneca lakes and passes through diverse landscapes.  The double locks at Seneca Falls create a 49-foot change in elevation. 

Boat entering lock on the high side

Small leak in the door when closed!

Boat has been lowered to the next level

Gates open and off she sails, 49 feet lower!

Montezuma National Wildlife refuge is the link in the Atlantic flyways refuge is a nesting and resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds including geese, ducks, and shorebirds.   We didn't spend as much time as we wanted bird watching but it was interesting driving through the refuge.  When we lived in Rochester I actually hunted duck in the refuge, limited permits were issued during the season.

Osprey nest

Red Wing Black bird

Friendly Geese.  This one was within 3' of the car.  Guess they know when they are protected!

Believe this is a crane?

As a continuation of Presidential Home, we visited a replica of President Millard Fillmore cabin.  Fillmore was born about 5 miles from Fillmore Glen State Park, Moravia, NY.

Fillmore was Zachary Taylor's vice president, when Taylor died he succeeded him but was not nominated for President during the next election.  Fillmore is best known for signing the Compromise of 1850, which attempted to forge a compromise between pro and anti slavery interests.  Because this measure established a stricter slave law he lost critical northern support. 

Not the great luxury presidential home that you witness today!

Water fall in Fillmore Glen State Park

Fillmore Glen State Park scenery. 

Interesting landscape in the Park

Attended an Auburn, NY "Doubledays" single A, Washington Nationals game.  These small parks are great, you can enjoy a good game, have a hot dog and beer and don't need to take out a loan. 

Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, NY is a 1850 Syracuse Weighlock Building. Designed to weigh canal boats for assessing a toll, this building is reputedly the only surviving structure of its kind in the country.