Thursday Local History and Stories Series

The Old Forge Library, located at 220 Crosby Blvd., invites the public to the next program in the Town of Webb Historical Association’s Local History series, held Thursdays throughout the summer. This free series features engaging presentations and discussions exploring the region’s rich history, conservation, culture, and storytelling, while encouraging residents and visitors alike to share their own memories and experiences.

The series continues on Thursday, July 30, at 5 pm with “Dams and Reservoirs of the Fulton Chain,” presented by Ray Letterman.

This timely program comes as the Old Forge Dam undergoes a major remediation and reconstruction project expected to take approximately two years. Letterman will explore the history and purpose of the Fulton Chain’s dams and reservoirs, explain how they regulate water levels throughout the lakes, and discuss the significance of the ongoing improvements to the Old Forge and Sixth Lake dams.

Ray Letterman and his wife have spent the past fifteen summers at their camp on Fourth Lake and have developed a deep appreciation for the Fulton Chain. A retired professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Letterman spent more than 40 years teaching and conducting research in water quality, hydrology, and drinking water treatment. His connection to the Adirondacks began more than thirty years ago while conducting research on drinking water systems in the region.

As a longtime member of the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association, Letterman has closely followed the Hudson River–Black River Regulating District’s dam remediation projects and their impact on water levels throughout the Fulton Chain. Drawing on both his professional expertise and local knowledge, he will offer valuable insight into the engineering, history, and future of these important water control structures.

Letterman’s presentation is sponsored by the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association and “Maintain the Chain,” a community initiative focused on protecting the lakes and watershed of the Fulton Chain and the Adirondack Park through education and stewardship programming.

The Local History and Stories Series continues throughout the summer with a diverse lineup of speakers and topics:

August 6: Tom Welch – The White Plague and Adirondack Tourism
August 13: Gary Lee and Mitch Lee – Adirondack Columnists
August 20: Eric Sutherland – Maple Sugaring
August 27: James Spencer – The Salem Witch Stories

The Local History series is free and open to the public, offering an engaging opportunity to explore Adirondack history while celebrating the stories, people, and heritage that have shaped the region.