Remember that corny phrase a
picture is worth a thousand words? While we have read well over a thousand
words on the history of the Adirondacks, we have seen far fewer photos. Many of
the historical accounts we have read have given us a great insight into what
life may have looked like, but I feel they have still left too much
to the imagination. I value the moments when I turn the page and a photo is
included. The picture can be old and blurry, but it gives me something concrete
to visualize. I find the photographs to be excellent compliment to the written narrative.
While researching about the
Adirondack Forty-Sixers, I stumbled upon the work of Fessy Washburn. Even though
Washburn was born in Missouri, her interests in bird watching and photography
led her to explore the Adirondacks. She led canoeing trips throughout the area
and began summiting the 46ers in the 1940s. Like many of us today, Washburn was
constantly using film to document her surroundings. She captured views from
Whiteface and Lake George. What started out as simple home videos for Washburn
have now become valuable pieces of film. The National Film Preservation
Foundation, which is a non-profit organization created by Congress, has
protected and helped restore her work. The Adirondack Forty-Sixers have also worked to
make Washburn’s work available to the public.
Work like Fessy Washburn’s gives us
a more holistic view of the history and culture of the Adirondack Park. Her
films provide us a direct look at what life was like in the park over half a
century ago. Organizations realize the value and historical importance of
these films, which is why they are working to protect as many as
possible.
Adirondack Home Movies by Fessy Wasburn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsdK9uGavNk
http://adk46er.org/history.html
http://www.adirondacklifemag.com/blogs/2014/06/24/fessys-footage/
No comments:
Post a Comment