Anybody here grow up in the Colonie area? I'm looking for memories! (New York: new home, elementary school)

[VlyRoadKid]

I was born in the 1950's and my parents had a house off Shaker Road, that my dad actually built by himself (a Cape Cod). I have very fond memories of that place, but upon a recent look via satellite, it seems that most of the open farmland around where we lived is gone, and the woods filled with developments! I'd like to hear reminiscences from those who grew up in that area, around the same time. I also went to St. Clare's Elementary School, on Central Ave. We moved to Mass. in 1964.

[VlyRoadKid]

Wow...I though SOMEBODY would have grown up around there...and have memories of it! It was very pretty around there, back then.

[SPLIT]

VRK: Watched all weather tv coverage of ICE storm in your / native area. They were reporting from East Greenbush .
I was born 1949 . Sort of Top of Menans hill , near the HVCC campus whic I attended all 3 schools there (Lasalle inst ,etc)
, My father & his brothers all worked the D&H RR shop out of COlonie. We drove thru there this Aug. Had to get a famous TEDS Fish Fry .
I think all the towns lower New York got development during that era and lots farm land. We moved to Poughkeepsie after college. That area really enlarged with IBM territory. Assume GE got bigger for Colonie as with the Albany business growth (EGG) & expressways , state Gov't offices.
. Stay in touch . Northway & Thruway access brought growth.

[USAFMOM]

Well I was born in 70 and still have fond memories of home. I grew up in Latham. My mom is still there. Same house. I went to Forts Ferry Elementary and Shaker High School. So much has changed since I left in 89 but it's still a beautiful area. I love to take my kids to Hoffmans when we visit. It's been around forever and we have pics of 3 generations on some of the same rides.

[piperspal]

Originally Posted by VlyRoadKid

Wow...I though SOMEBODY would have grown up around there...and have memories of it! It was very pretty around there, back then.

Sorry you didn't get more replies VRK. I live very close to that now, but didn't post because I didn't grow up here. My late husband did, however, grow up in Colonie & probably rode his bike past the house your dad built many a time! I still use Vly Road several times a week in my travels. They have taken a very short stretch of road across from Consaul @ the corner of Karner and made it one way to VLY (just in from central ave.)....that has cut down a bit on people racing thru the residential street.

When was the last time you were back? Even with all the development, I think you'd be pleased with how Vly Road has maintained it's charm. In fact, many new home owners have come along and really put some time into curb appeal. Vly Road could easily be called one of the prettiest streets in Colonie!

I can tell you one of the memories my husband shared with me that perhaps you might remember as well: Annette Funicello (sp?). She was making an appearance somewhere locally - maybe near the Wards building? Anyway, hubby & pals were pre-teens then & rode their bike in a convoy to wherever she was so they could all get her autograph. My husband was somewhat older than me, & every time I think of that story, I picture the movie "Stand By Me".

So, that's as close as I can come to a 'memory' for you. Colonie is a good town for sure. If you ever come thru during the holidays, make sure to drive down Apple Blossom Lane off Consaul - just a minute away. The entire street decorates; some of the houses have a boom box going with Christmas music. I take all my out-of-town guests thru there - just enchanting!

[piperspal]

sorry VRK; it slipped by me that you were born in the 50's...I was thinking you were raised in the 50's.
I guess Annette would have been a bit before your time!

[ss20ts]

Originally Posted by VlyRoadKid

I was born in the 1950's and my parents had a house off Shaker Road, that my dad actually built by himself (a Cape Cod). I have very fond memories of that place, but upon a recent look via satellite, it seems that most of the open farmland around where we lived is gone, and the woods filled with developments! I'd like to hear reminiscences from those who grew up in that area, around the same time. I also went to St. Clare's Elementary School, on Central Ave. We moved to Mass. in 1964.

Farmland has been LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG gone! Between Wolf Road and the Airport's 845834756 expansions it's gone. The Colonie A's - the Yankee feeder team - they're looooooooooooooong gone. The stadium was torn down. Shaker Road has been moved - well the part around the airport was moved. It's sooo freaking confusing now unless you drive it all the time.

The developments started taking over Colonie before you left. They only expanded.

I've never heard of St Clare's Elementary School. It's probably long gone. Where on Central Ave was it? Central Ave is a completely different road now.

Oh L-Ken's - the ice cream place - closed last year! Kurver's is still going strong though.

Colonie Center just completed renovation #9238509235890. Maybe they'll be done this time? My dad remembers when it was just a one floor plaza.

[still fattie]

I was born in Colonie in 1950 and lived in the same house in the village of Colonie until I married in 1969. I attended South Colonie Schools and graduated in 1968. My son now lives in my childhood home. I, too, have fond memories and wonder where some of my old friends are as I go through my 'old stomping grounds'!!!!!

[Vaedur]

Originally Posted by ss20ts

Farmland has been LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG gone! Between Wolf Road and the Airport's 845834756 expansions it's gone. The Colonie A's - the Yankee feeder team - they're looooooooooooooong gone. The stadium was torn down. Shaker Road has been moved - well the part around the airport was moved. It's sooo freaking confusing now unless you drive it all the time.

The developments started taking over Colonie before you left. They only expanded.

I've never heard of St Clare's Elementary School. It's probably long gone. Where on Central Ave was it? Central Ave is a completely different road now.

Oh L-Ken's - the ice cream place - closed last year! Kurver's is still going strong though.

Colonie Center just completed renovation #9238509235890. Maybe they'll be done this time? My dad remembers when it was just a one floor plaza.

I went to shaker in the early 90's ..

anywho, my favorite baseball team is the oakland a's, due to watching the albany colonie a's growing up. Noone remembers them, thanks for the giggle.

[Vaedur]

Remember when latham mall was the place to be?