Historical Fact

Between 1792 and 1801, Hadley and Luzerne (originally Fairfield, then renamed Lake Luzerne, in 1963) were incorporated creating sister communities that grew and developed together. Throughout the last two centuries, frontier trading between Indigenous Peoples and European settlers, lumbering, leather tanning, paper manufacturing, white water exploration, and dude ranching contributed to the growth of the Hadley and Lake Luzerne area. Today, our area is known as a dynamic, four-season destination for people from throughout the world who visit our heritage area, historical landmarks, and natural wilderness

In 1973 long-time Lake Luzerne residents, Eva Reynolds, Lester Thomas, and Grace Butchino shared a belief that people should become aware of local history. And so, they held a meeting on April 10, 1973. Approximately ten people attended. Lester Thomas brought some memorabilia and spoke about the early history of the community. And the Luzerne Historical Association was formed. Shortly after, the group reached out to Hadley residents and by the group’s second meeting they became the Hadley-Luzerne Historical Society with 28 members, including Ira Gray, famous wilderness guide, poet, and expert wood whittler. Several months prior to the Society’s Charter application, Eva Reynolds insisted upon changing the name once more to the Hadley-Lake Luzerne Historical Society. (Eva believed the word “Lake” was important because “our name would be ‘broadcasted to the world once we had a Charter.”* During the Society’s early development, Frances Garnar Kinnear and Lester Thomas sealed the Society’s concrete plans and connected the group to it’s permanent home, the beautiful 1880’s Victorian house, furnished in the style of the era and which currently displays artifacts and exhibit rooms illustrating our regions’s history. Miss Kinnear stated in her will:

“That the house located on said premises shall be forever, primarily used and occupied by the Hadley-Luzerne Historical Society for museum purposes, its meetings, and for the Society’s office and storage purposes”

The Hadley-Lake Luzerne Society’s place in the history Hadley and Lake Luzerne Historical Society established its place as a primary community resource even as we approach our 50th birthday. We continue to fulfill our mission. We are an all-volunteer organization. We offer a platform for historians, archeologists, and historical writers to speak about their specific disciplines. We offer guided tours of the Kinnear Museum. And we host well attended community events—an annual, guided autumn Lantern Walk around our Historical District, a self-guided walking and driving tour throughout the Hadley-Lake Luzerne, and Letterboxing. We have a research library that holds a variety of resource materials specific to our local history and genealogy. And much more.

*Source: David Cranston, Curator

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The Hadley-Lake Luzerne Historical Society

Overview

Kinnear Barn—Photo by Susan Clark, used with permission