Upper Saranac Lake Association

04/11/2026

04/11/2026

: Historic Saranac Lake needs your help identifying the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and/or WHY of this photo. This photograph was taken at the 1932 Olympics in Lake Placid by Amy or Blair Jones. The Joneses lived in Saranac Lake, where Blair was curing for tuberculosis. We don't know the identity of this man. We assume he's a skater for team USA, but that's all we have. Do you recognize him? Let us know by leaving a comment or sending us a message!⁠
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[Historic Saranac Lake Collection, 2024.21.1.164. Gift in memory of D. Blair and Amy Jones.]

04/11/2026

Ever wonder about the origins of the famous "ENTERING ADIRONDACK PARK" sign?

Well, the origins of the sign are a blend of 19th-century cartography and 20th-century aesthetic planning. While the park was established in 1892, the iconic visual identity of the signage was a later development.

The Blue Line (1890s)

The jagged silhouette of the sign is its most significant historical feature. In 1890 and 1891, the New York State Forest Commission produced maps to propose the park's boundaries. Cartographers used blue ink to outline the proposed park area and red ink for existing state-owned "Forest Preserve" lands. When the park was officially created in 1892, this "Blue Line" became the legal boundary. The sign’s shape is a literal physical representation of that 130-year-old ink line.

The Brown and Yellow Palette (1920s–1970s)

The specific color scheme—yellow lettering on a dark brown background—was not the original state standard but evolved through a mix of tradition and regulation:
National Influence: The color palette was originally inspired by the signage used in Western National Parks, intended to signal a transition from a "highway" environment to a "protected" one.

1924 Sign Law

A 1924 state law strictly regulated commercial signs within the park to prevent "billboard blight." This pushed local businesses to adopt the understated, rustic aesthetic of the state’s own markers.

1970s Standardization

In 1974, the Adirondack Highway Council was formed to unify the park's appearance. By 1976, they officially recommended the yellow-on-brown scheme because it had become the region's de facto identity over the previous 40 years.

Hand-Crafted Production

Unlike modern highway signs made in industrial factories, every official "Entering" sign is still produced by hand at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) sign shop in Northville, NY. Since the mid-20th century, these artisans have used routers to carve the distinctive typeface into heavy wood, ensuring that the gateway to the "Forever Wild" forest preserve feels like a piece of the forest itself.

03/10/2026

“The current ice jam on the Ausable River in Clintonville.”

Credit to

02/11/2026

"Prize Winner at Mid-Winter Carnival, Saranac Lake, N.Y." c. 1920's

Did you get to the carnival this year? Post your pictures below!


*Image courtesy of the Facebook group History and Legends of the Adirondacks

02/07/2026

The Wawbeek Lodge, 1890

Wow... Seeing photos of the glorious institutions that once graced the lake can make you nostalgic for times before you were born!

It's nice that there are still historic camps like Eagle Island, Moss Ledge, Wenonah, Prospect Point (currently Young Life), and Wonundra (currently The Point) that are being lovingly restored and cared for, so we can enjoy their beauty as we pass by on the water.

It's nice to remember the storied history that surrounds is when we're out on the lake - it's a real source of USL pride!

02/07/2026

No doubt this year's Ice Palace is a particularly special one, thanks to weather giving us an abundance of ice.

1901 had a special palace as well.

Know what else happened in 1901? The Upper Saranac Lake Association was founded!

That's right, 2026 marks the USLA's 125th Anniversary!

If you're a member, check the February mailboat, and soon, the website for information on a very special celebration planned for this August!

02/02/2026

Who is planning to go see the wonderful ice palace this winter?

01/06/2026

A poem for all you full timers. 😄

12/26/2025

Gorgeous sunrise on a cold (COLD) December morning!

12/24/2025

Happy holidays!