I entered the high school in 1945 after graduating from St. Bernard’s so I knew most of those in the photos — what a great bunch of guys. (Provided photos — The 1944 Canaras)

Just returned from a long weekend trip and nothing to write about to fill this revered space but You Know What?

Enterprise stories from the archives of the Adirondack Room of the Saranac Lake Free Library just seem to fall into my hands as I paw through my meticulous files.

Our village is fortunate to have such a wonderful library. Bring your kids for a visit, they will be amazed.

“The 37,000 book has just been added to the Saranac Lake Free Library. The numbering began about the year 1894 with each new addition since that date receiving a consecutive number.

“The new book is a novel entitled, ‘The Growth of a Man’ by Canada’s leading novelist, Mazo De La Roche. It is the story of a young Canadian who was reared in the rugged environment of his grandfather’s farm. He subsequently has to meet the challenge of poverty, scholarship and finally ill-health. The descriptions of the Canadian winters, the Northern forests and the plaintive life of the young man compose a novel of strength and compassion.

“Although this is the 37,000 book to be added, it does not follow that there are 37,000 books in the library. Something like 22,600 books have been discarded and withdrawn from the records. Some of them have been lost, but the majority have been literally worn out. (Think about that for a moment.)

“There are only a few of the original nucleus still extant after more than forty years. The total number of volumes in the library at the close of 1937 was 14,044. A few new ones are added every week. Now that school has started and adults as well as children are considering new courses of study, this reservoir of good books will be drawn upon continually. There are many wonderful books of educational value as well as those for recreation.

“Hillel Baker, a cobbler, was one of the first to see the people’s need of books in the community. He loaned books from his own collection and cobbled shoes to make a living. Dr. Edward L. Trudeau was another who gathered a few hundred books together and started a small library.

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Free library established

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“The first free library here was established in 1880. It was called the Franklin County Library and was housed in what is now the Post Office Pharmacy. (It was located at 52 Main Street, now closed, but last owned and operated by the Bevilacqua family, famous in business, civic leadership, sports and politics.) About 10 years later this was taken over by St. Luke’s Church and was moved to the new parish house. A new name, the Adirondack Library was adopted.

“Some time later, a fire occurred which damaged the interior and many of the books. From the insurance received, new books and standard works were purchased and the library continued to serve the community for 15 years.

“In 1907, under the leadership of George V. W. Duryee, the present library association was formed and incorporated under the state law as the Saranac Lake Free Library Association. The present building was built and occupied in 1910 with a large addition being erected in the rear of the building in 1924 by Mr. Ludington in memory of his wife.

“The first librarian, E. H. Baldwin, in his report for 1908 showed 2, 873 volumes on hand. The circulation then was 2,938. Miss Stella Norton, present librarian shows in her report for 1937, a total of 14,044 books with a circulation of 55,639. Miss Norton is assisted by Miss Elizabeth Reed.”

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Local dog was with admiral byrd

(The Enterprise 10-6-38)

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“Unusual honors await a Saranac Lake sled dog Saturday. ‘Antarctic Andy’, a 10-year-old Eskimo huskie, believed to be the only dog of the First Byrd Expedition to Little America still living, will be ‘guest of honor’ at ceremonies at Wanalancet, New Hampshire Saturday.

“Andy, now under the care of Felix Leser, of Kiwassa Road, well-known dog trainer and driver, will be honored by Gov. Francis P. Murphy of New Hampshire and Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd who will unveil a memorial tablet to the sled dogs of the Antarctic.

“The ceremonies are to take place at the Chinook kennels in Wanalancet which are owned by Mr. and Mrs. J. Martin Seeley and where the dogs of the Byrd expeditions were raised and trained.

“Antarctic Andy was born 10 years ago on the First Byrd Expedition to the Antarctic region. He was brought back to this country by Jack Bursey, a member of the expedition, and later acquired by Fred A. Potter, his present owner who is well known locally.

“‘Andy’ has been at the Leser kennels for more than a year. According to reliable sources, he is the only dog of the first Byrd expedition still alive.

“Mr. Leser leaves Saranac Lake Saturday morning with ‘Andy’ to attend the ceremonies which are scheduled for the early afternoon.”