Wanakena, New York facts for kids

Wanakena is a small village located on the shore of Cranberry Lake in St. Lawrence County, New York. It's part of the town of Fine. Many people visit Wanakena, especially in the summer, because tourism is a big part of the area's economy. It's also home to the famous SUNY-ESF Ranger School.

Wanakena's History

Wanakena was founded in 1902 by two cousins, Herbert and Horace Rich. They owned the Rich Brothers Lumber Company. The company bought a lot of land around Cranberry Lake. They built several mills to process wood. Many of the homes for the millworkers were built using wood from the company's old operations. At its busiest, between 1902 and 1912, the Rich Brothers mill had up to 1,500 workers!

The Ranger School's Beginning

Before the lumber company left the area, they did something special. They gave land to Syracuse University. This land was used to start the first school in the United States to train forest rangers. The goal was to teach people how to manage forests in a way that helps them grow back. This school, built in 1912, is now part of SUNY. It is the oldest Ranger School in the country!

Railroads and Bridges

A special logging railroad was built in 1905. It connected Wanakena to another railroad at Benson Mines. This helped move lumber and people. However, after the lumber industry left, fewer people traveled to Wanakena. So, the railroad tracks were removed.

A long suspension footbridge was built over the Oswegatchie River before 1903. This bridge connected the village to the mills for the workers. It was once one of the longest footbridges in the United States! Sadly, an ice jam destroyed the bridge on January 14, 2014. But the community worked hard to rebuild it. They raised over $130,000 and got grants. The new bridge was finished in November 2016. The Wanakena Presbyterian Church is also a very old and important building in the village.

Exploring Wanakena Today

The Wanakena Historical Association created a fun walking tour in 2002. This tour has two information stands and six picture spots. These spots show old photos and tell stories about the village's history. You can learn about logging, milling, the railroad, and how tourism grew. Schools, bus tours, and many visitors enjoy this free walking tour every year. It's open from May 30 until at least Labor Day.

Today, Wanakena is still a lively community. Besides the SUNY ESF Ranger School, there's a church that holds services in the summer. You'll also find a post office and a unique store and art gallery called Otto's Abode. There's Packbasket Adventures Lodge and Guide Service for outdoor fun. The Otto J Hamele Historic Walking Tour is still popular. And don't forget the gazebo where summer concerts are held! In 2021, the Wanakena History Center opened. It includes a special sign that celebrates the Ranger School's founding in 1912.

Images for kids

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  Western Adirondack Presbyterian Church

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  Cranberry Lake, Black Duck Hole