Northville in Fulton County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Chimney Swifts of Northville, New York
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, August 30, 2012
1. Chimney Swifts of Northville, New York Marker
Migratory Birds who span approximately 7000 miles from the Amazon jungle of South America to the north country of New York State.
First Study of the Chimney Swifts was made by Walker A. La Rowe of the Northville Rotary Club. Mr. La Rowe, after studying migratory data originated a welcome celebration for the return of the Chimney Swifts to Northville on May 6 each year, which was also the birthday of Frank B. Hubbal, the original owner of this property.
These birds can be observed any fair-weather evening at dusk during the months of May through mid-August, first circling the chimney, creating a funneling appearance before dropping inside to cling to the bricks and mortar for the night.
Erected by Northville Rotary.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1919.
Location. 43° 13.563′ N, 74° 10.504′ W. Marker is in Northville, New York, in Fulton County. Marker is on North Second Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is within the chainlink fence surrounding the base of the chimney. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Northville NY 12134, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of
this page online
Regarding Chimney Swifts of Northville, New York. May 6th each year the village of Northville celebrates the return of the Chimney Swifts to the Hubbell Chimney. Hubbell’s chimney was built by Stephen Acker in 1880 during the construction of the Globe Metallic Binding Company owned by Ray Hubbell and James A. Cole. The formal festivities of welcoming back the birds were started in 1958 after local businessman, Walker LaRowe, had observed the punctual return of the birds each year, which coincided with the birthday of onetime chimney owner, Frank Hubbell. The Hubbell Memorial Chimney is all that's left of the Hubbell Glove Factory, which burned to the ground in January 1918. The swifts leave on August 20 every year.
Also see . . . Northville Chimney Swifts Lose Chimney. You can
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, August 30, 2012
2. Chimney Swifts of Northville, New York Marker
The marker is at ground level within the chainlink fence which surrounds the chimney.
Additional commentary.
1. Northville Chimney Demolished
On Monday, December 24, 2012 The Daily Gazette in Schenectady reported the Hubbell Chimney in Northville had been demolished "a few weeks ago", much to the surprise and dismay of local residents who have enjoyed a 60 year old annual tradition of celebrating the return of the swifts to the chimney on May 6th each year. The nearly 100 year old chimney had been showing signs of its age and had started to crumble. Presumably Arthur Horton who owns the land where the chimney stood had it removed due to liability concerns.
— Submitted February 16, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York.
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, July 9, 2011
3. The Hubbell Memorial Chimney
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, July 3, 2013
4. The Northville Chimney - Gone
The location at 2nd Avenue and Bridge Street in Northville where the chimney once stood, where once a year hundreds of nesting chimney swifts would arrive from their winter home. The chimney was removed in December of 2012.
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, July 3, 2012
5. Detail of the Hubbel Chimney in Northville
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, July 6, 2012
6. Chimney Swifts Entering the Chimney
What appears to be a faint whisp of smoke leaving the chimney is actually the blurred motions of a number of the swifts swirling and decending into the chimney at dusk.
Photographed By Wikipedia
7. A Chimney Swift
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2012, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 981 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 31, 2012, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 4. submitted on July 16, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 31, 2012, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
