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Hull's Pond
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In our last column we made mention of the tiny pond
just off Demars Boulevard and noted that it was created when fill was
removed in 1916. Two things have occurred since that column appeared.
One, the Tupper Lake Preservation Society has framed a resolution to
formally name the pond Hull’s Pond in recognition of the family who own the
pond and who were prominent members of this community. Applications will be
made to the National Board of Geographic names in Washington D.C. and to
local officials.
Secondly, I have received a wonderful letter from Catherine Grose, who now
lives in Albany but grew up near “Hull’s Pond.”
Cathy notes that her memories of the pond represent another generation
(ouch!) who were endeared to that place as were the youngsters of my
generation.
Cathy has graciously allowed me to share her letter with readers of this
column. The “Water Street Gang” and other memories of which she writes
represent a slice of our local history and I’m delighted to record it. It
follows in its entirety:
Dear Mr. Frenette,
Your wonderful article on “Hull’s Pond,” as we know it, prompted me to write
to you. As you know, I grew up on Water Street, adjacent to the then Gerald
and Dorothy Hull home. Vivid and happy memories came flooding to mind when I
read your column. I thought it would be nice to share some of these memories
with you and let you know that at least one other generation enjoys a close
affinity to this special place.
The Hull property was beautifully maintained in those days. Dorothy Hull
took much enjoyment in her gardens. I can still picture the magnificent rows
of tulips eagerly viewed from our dining room bay window. The tall hedge row
of trees separating the flower garden from the back field and earlier
vegetable gardens held particular fascination for me. Beyond the back field
one could enjoy a clear view of the ski slope, beautiful in any season. I
might add that many a baseball game was played in that back field with the
whole Water Street gang, consisting of the Tebo, LaVigne, Demars, Martin,
Kiklevich, Beauchamp, Maroun and Grose kids, to name but a few.
“Hull’s Pond” itself was a particular source of enjoyment and wonder. Mrs.
Hull would not only let us but would often join us kids in roasting
marshmallows in the stone fireplace or enjoy our picnic lunch at the picnic
table set there as well. I also clearly remember the stone steps leading
down to the fireplace/picnic area. Some of he more hearty souls camped out
by the pond in summer months. I must admit I was too afraid of the bears to
venture camping out anywhere other than my own backyard in those days!
As we got a little older, we began exploring the pond in earnest. Fishing,
tadpoling and gathering cattails were of prime interest. In the winter we,
too, would clear off the snow and enjoy our makeshift skating rink, bumpy as
it was!
I think the most magical and mysterious memory I have of “Hull’s Pond” is
the stand of pine trees you mentioned in your article. For some reason this
quiet place always stirred a wide range of emotions in me. The bed of pine
needles was so think and beautiful that it had a surreal quality to it. I
clearly remember standing alone among those pines with no sound but the wind
in the branches and feeling such a sense of spirituality. One of those
special moments when you feel the power of nature’ in every fiber of your
being.
Last but not least, I want to thank you for our very informative and
thought-provoking article. It truly brought back wonderful childhood
memories! My best to you, Mrs. Frenette and family.
Sincerely,
Cathy Grose |
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