Potsdam in St. Lawrence County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Potsdam Raquette River Walk
Ice House Row/ Adirondack Tea/ River Recreation
— Ives Park - The Water —
Ice House Row
Until electric refrigeration became widespread in the 1930s, Potsdam villagers relied on iceboxes stocked with ice blocks cut from the river and stored under sawdust in icehouses along Water Street (now Riverside[sic Riverview-Google] Drive). Two-man teams using gosoline-powered circular saws cut the ice and hauled it to the icehouses using derricks, pulleys, and tongs.
(left to right)Ice wagon; Cutting ice offshore near Water Street, circa 1900.
Adirondack Tea
The brown color of the Raquette's water is not caused by mud, iron, or pollution, but by vegetation. Tannin leached by rainwater from the roots of trees, especially hemlocks, drains into the river. The same tannin was extracted from the hemlock bark to tan animal skins for leather in the many tanneries that operated along the river in the 19th century.
River Recreation
In the 1920s and 1930s, a concrete retaining wall, topped with pillars and rings for mooring boats, defined the character of Ives Park's shoreline. The Smith family operated a boathouse and rented boats to fisherman, picnickers, sightseers, and courting couples.
The park was enlarged in the 1970s when buildings along Water Street were torn down.
A canoe race observed by a crown on the east bridge, circa 1900.
Courtesy of the Potsdam Museum [all three photos on marker].
Erected 2010 by Eagle Scout Project by Alexander G. Well. Sign sponsored by Burns Design Studio.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Environment • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 44° 40.016′ N, 74° 59.164′ W. Marker was in Potsdam, New York, in St. Lawrence County. Marker could be reached from the intersection of Riverview Drive and Hamilton Street. Marker is in Ives Park on the east bank of the Raquette River near the intersection of Riverview Drive and Hamilton Street. However, the best place to park is the public lot off Main Street just east of the Clarkson Inn. The Inn is at the intersection of Maple, Market, and Main Streets. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Potsdam NY 13676, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. They Live with Us in Grateful Memory of their Sacrifice (a few steps from this marker); James McCormick (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Lawrence Academy (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Clarkson-Knowles Cottage (approx. 0.2 miles away); Potsdam Raquette River Walk - Hydro Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Potsdam Raquette River Walk (approx. 0.2 miles away); Potsdam Fire Department Members Who Served in World War II (approx. 0.2 miles away); Town of Potsdam (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Potsdam.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 348 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on June 8, 2021, by Robert Rusaw of Massena, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 13, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.