Dannemora Museum and Doc Ganong

By Nancy Dow

Town Crier Editor

Colleen and Larry Seney are excited to announce the latest exhibit for viewing at the Dannemora Museum, located in the Village of Dannemora Community Center, 40 Emmons Street, Dannemora, NY in the Town of Saranac.

Many residents are familiar with Dr. Gilbert Ganong, a well-known and highly-regarded physician who practiced at his home on “Back Street”, later renamed Ganong Drive after Mrs. Joyce Ryan petitioned the Town for the change. According to Sylvia Newman, author of Life & Times in Olde Saranac, in 1935 Dr. Ganong began ministering to the health needs of the Saranac community, treating people for decades. As a “Country Doctor”, he may have visited nearly every home within the town. It is also probable he brought into the world half of its young inhabitants! Jan Couture, NYS Registered Historian for Saranac, tells of a time when the town residents raised funds to install a pool behind Dr. Ganong’s home, signifying deep respect for his services.

His office equipment was relocated to the office occupied by Dr. Lee in the Town Park. Upon Dr. Lee’s retirement, Saranac Town Supervisor, Nick Carter, offered permission to loan items from Dr. Ganong’s office to the museum.

The Museum holds open hours the first Saturday of the month, May through October from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The last regular day of 2019 is Saturday, October 5. The museum will open by appointment at a mutually convenient time. Requests may be made by calling the Village of Dannemora Community Center Office at 518 – 492 – 7000 between 9:00 and 4:00 weekdays, excluding holidays.

In addition to this new display, there are collections of photographs and an array of artifacts from the past. Examples include:

¨ Native American objects

¨ D & H Railroad items

¨ Redford Picnic memorabilia

¨ Churches and Schools of the past

¨ WWI items

¨ Clinton Correctional Prison history

¨ Maps