Slingerlands, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Slingerlands
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| Etymology: For William Slingerland and descendants | |
 Slingerlands
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Region | Capital District |
| County | Albany |
| Settled | 1850 |
| Elevation | 220 ft (70 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
12159
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| Area code(s) | 518 |
Slingerlands is a small community, called a hamlet, located in the town of Bethlehem, Albany County, New York. It is just west of Delmar and close to the New Scotland town line. Slingerlands is also south of the city of Albany, making it a suburb of Albany. The Slingerlands ZIP Code (12159) covers parts of the towns of New Scotland and Guilderland as well.
Contents
History of Slingerlands
The story of Slingerlands began in 1850. That year, a company was formed to build a special road called a plank road. This road was made of wooden planks and stretched from Albany through Slingerlands to Gallupville.
In 1854, parts of this plank road, including the section in Slingerlands, became a turnpike. This meant people had to pay a small fee, called a toll, to use it.
How Slingerlands Got Its Name
The first post office in the area was built in 1852 and was called Normanskill. William H. Slingerland was the first postmaster.
In 1863, the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad was built through the area. A train station was also built here. William H. Slingerland had surveyed the route for the railroad. His plan saved the company a lot of money. Because of this, the company named the station "Slingerlands" in his honor. In 1870, the post office also changed its name to Slingerlands.
Roads and Changes
New Scotland Road, which goes through Slingerlands, became part of New York State Route 85 in 1930. Later, in 1968, the Slingerlands Bypass was built. This was a new highway meant to help traffic flow better. The original plan was to connect it to another bypass, but that part was never finished.
In 2007, the Slingerlands Bypass was made bigger, from two lanes to four. It was also extended to connect with New Scotland Road. Several intersections along this road were changed into roundabouts, which are circular intersections designed to improve traffic flow.
Community Life
The Slingerlands Homeowners Association started in 1972. It is the oldest neighborhood group in the town of Bethlehem. This group helps local residents with community issues. For example, in the late 1980s, they helped make a new shopping center smaller. This shopping center is now known as the Price Chopper Plaza.
Slingerlands on Screen
In 1987, Slingerlands was a filming location for some parts of the movie Ironweed. This movie starred Jack Nicholson and was based on a book by William Kennedy. Scenes were filmed with an old 1930s steam train and at the Dillenbeck House, a historic home built in 1876.
Historic Places
The Slingerlands Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. This means it's a special area with important historical buildings. Other individual buildings in Slingerlands are also listed, like the House at 698 Kenwood Avenue, LeGrange Farmstead, and Albert Slingerlands House.
Geography
Slingerlands is located along New Scotland Road (New York State Route 85). This road runs from the Albany city limits southwest to Fisher Boulevard, near the New Scotland town line. It also includes Kenwood Avenue, from Route 85 east to Adrianca Lane.
Location of Slingerlands
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City of Albany Normans Kill |
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| Town of New Scotland Hamlet of New Scotland |
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hamlet of Delmar | ||
 hamlet of Slingerlands  |
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| Town of New Scotland Hamlet of Unionville |
Population of Slingerlands
The area covered by the Slingerlands ZIP code is larger than the hamlet itself. This larger area has a population of 7,646 people.
Architecture and Buildings
Slingerlands is mostly a residential area, meaning it has many homes. Most of the shops and businesses are found along New Scotland Road.
Many old and historic homes from the 1800s still stand in the center of Slingerlands. Some of these are connected to the Slingerland family, who helped found the community. For example, the Dillenbeck House was built by Albert Slingerland. The oldest house in the hamlet belongs to John Albert Slingerland. Albert I. Slingerland also built the Slingerlands Community Methodist Church in 1872. The Old Slingerlands Schoolhouse, built in 1908, has been turned into apartments.
Many newer homes in Slingerlands are built to look like older styles. These include Greek Revival, Federal, Victorian, and Colonial designs. An interesting fact is that a house built in 1922 was once the official home for the president of the University at Albany, SUNY. There's even a cottage built in 1929 from a kit bought from the Sears, Roebuck catalogue.
Parks and Recreation
Slingerlands offers great places for outdoor activities.
Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail
The Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail is a nine-mile path that goes through Slingerlands. It stretches from the Port of Albany to Voorheesville. This trail was built on an old Canadian Pacific rail line that was no longer used. Albany County bought the land in 2010 to create the trail. It's a paved path perfect for walking, running, and bicycling. In winter, it's left unplowed for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Pine Hollow Arboretum
The Pine Hollow Arboretum is a 22-acre natural area located in Slingerlands. Dr. John W. Abbuhl, a pediatrician, started planting trees around his home in 1966. The Arboretum's goal is to "preserve, manage and enhance native and introduced species in the natural and aesthetic environment." This means they work to protect and improve the variety of plants and trees in a beautiful natural setting.
Education
Students in Slingerlands attend schools within the Bethlehem Central School District (BCSD). Slingerlands Elementary School serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. For older students, Bethlehem Central Middle School and Bethlehem Central High School are the district schools for grades six through twelve.
