Bootleggers, braggarts, hunters, hermits, and dozens of other North Country characters of the type whose legend precedes them are featured in a new collection of 35 historical essays self-published in November 2024 by Dave Waite, a writer, historian, and regular contributor to New York Almanack.
Such 19th and 20th-century characters as Broncho Charlie Miller and “BobCat” Ranney enliven A Place Called Pauley and Other Stories from Warren County and the Adirondacks, Waite’s second collection. He previously published Thrilling Attractions and Weird Wonders, which drew fresh attention to overlooked tales from Saratoga County and the Mohawk Valley.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the under-explored history of northeastern New York and found so many interesting tales that I felt compelled to share them with the public,” Waite said. “I do much original research, and enjoy bringing hidden pieces of history to life.”
“Nearly 25 years ago I visited the Shaefer Adirondack Library in Niskayuna, New York,” Dave continued, “and was so taken with the immense amount of Adirondack history that I began to collect and study early Adirondack books and maps. I expanded to writing about Warren and Saratoga County history during COVID-19. I am amazed at the untold stories I have uncovered from across the Northeast, and I look forward to having readers enjoy them through my published works.”
Waite, a descendant of early settlers in the Southern Adirondack town of Stony Creek, has published frequently in the New York Almanack and historical society newsletters across the Adirondacks and Mohawk Valley. He lives in rural Saratoga County.
Both A Place Called Pauley and Thrilling Attractions and Weird Wonders are available in the Saratoga, New York region at Linda’s Antiques and Adirondack Store in Broadalbin, Packer’s Antiques in Barkersville, and Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa, New York.
Upcoming Book Singing
On Saturday, December 21, 2024 the Galway Public Library will be hosting a book release and signing for Waite’s latest publication at 11 am in the library community room. At this event, he will share about his experiences as a writer and also read excerpts from some of his stories. Both of his books will be available for purchase.
Book Purchases made through this Amazon link support the New York Almanack’s mission to report new publications relevant to New York State.
See more new books HERE.
Source link
