Don Rittner Libri

The narrative explores Schenectady's evolution from its founding by the Dutch in 1661 to its pivotal role in American innovation. Key historical events include the 1690 massacre and its development as a bustling canal town. The city is notable for its contributions to modern conveniences, having been a significant provider of brooms and a birthplace for inventions like light bulbs, refrigerators, and jet engines, highlighting its impact on both local and national history.

The book explores Schenectady's Stockade, the first historic district in New York State, showcasing its significance as one of the oldest European-settled areas in the U.S. It highlights the architectural diversity within a compact area, featuring structures from the 17th century to modern times. Despite a devastating fire in 1819, over 40 historic buildings have survived for more than 200 years. Through photographs and maps, the narrative reveals the evolution of this unique community and its role in American history.

The book explores the rich history of Lansingburgh, the oldest settled area in New York's Rensselaer County, founded by Abraham Jacob Lansing in 1763. It details the transformation from a 5,000-acre farm to a vibrant village with 288 lots, driven by New England entrepreneurs. The 19th century saw a boom in various industries, making Lansingburgh a notable hub even after its incorporation into Troy in 1900. Featuring over 200 photographs from historian Frances Broderick's archives, the book captures the essence of Lansingburgh's 228-year legacy through its people, businesses, and landmarks.

Set in the 1600s, the narrative explores the allure of the New World, particularly New York, as a land of opportunity for expansion and profit. It details how the Dutch acquired land from the Mohican tribe, leading to the establishment of patroonships under Kilian van Rensselaer. As pioneer farmers flocked to the fertile Hudson River region, two villages, Lansingburgh and Vanderheyden, began to develop, eventually evolving into the city of Troy. The book highlights themes of colonization and the transformative impact of settlement in early America.

The book explores the rich history of Troy, a city established by the Vanderheyden family in 1787, highlighting its pivotal role in America's Industrial Revolution. It delves into Troy's significance as the birthplace of the collar and cuff industry and its prominence in iron manufacturing throughout the 1800s, showcasing the city's contributions to industrial growth and innovation in the United States.

The architectural transformation of Albany is explored through a pictorial guide that spans four centuries, showcasing its evolution from a Dutch fur-trading fort to a modern city. Celebrating significant anniversaries in 2002, the book highlights Albany's historical importance as a trade and military hub, as well as its role as New York's permanent capital since 1797. With corner-by-corner views, it captures the city's rich legacy and natural beauty, reflecting its growth and significance in early American history.

Rich in tales, the book explores Albany's over four-century history, highlighting its significant role in American history alongside quirky anecdotes like diner devotion and the origins of "Yankee Doodle." Local author Don Rittner shares captivating stories from his column "Heritage on the Hudson," covering the city’s evolution from Mohican and Iroquois territory to a bustling trade hub. With a mix of historical insights and charming narratives, Rittner provides a unique perspective on Albany's cultural legacy.

Troy was created from land belonging to three Dutch men who were descendants of Dirck Vanderheyden, Troy's first settler who began farming here in 1707. After incorporating as a city in 1816, Troy began its rise to become the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Utilizing the forces of two powerful streams, the Wyantskill and Poestentkill, and the mighty Hudson River, early industries sprang up in the southern and northern parts of the city. With the advent of the Erie and Champlain Canals, the city quickly became an industrial powerhouse, as ironworks produced vast quantities of products needed locally and in the expanding western part of country. With the invention of detachable collars and cuffs in the 19th century, 90 percent of American men were wearing Troy-made collars and cuffs. Troy rose to become known as "The Collar City." Trojans have also made major contributions to a growing American republic in the arts, entertainment, sciences, government, military, and industry through the 21st century.

Troy is one of the most historic cities in the United States. Originally the home of the Mohican tribe, the area was settled by the Dutch in the early eighteenth century and the city itself was founded by the Vanderheyden family in 1787. Troy holds claim to being the birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution, and a major manufacturer of iron products during the 1800s. Troy has earned some distinctive titles in its 230 years of existence, and was referred to as "The Home of Uncle Sam," and "The Collar City." In his latest book, Troy Through Time, local historian Don Rittner looks at the city's rich heritage and with informative captions provides comparative then and now photographs showing the dramatic changes the city has gone through--especially during the past century. Due to the confluence of major waterways and the accompanying water power, industry favored Troy making it one of the wealthiest cities in the United State and the end of the nineteenth century. Troy, therefore, is noted for a wealth of Victorian architecture downtown and elaborate private homes in various neighborhoods. As industries have come and gone and as the street scenes have changed, Rittner takes the reader on a fascinating journey through time, showing how the impact of human activity to this riverside community.

Albany, New York, can be considered an eccentric city. While it is rich in history, those in power over the years have seen no reason to save it. Albanians love their history, yet politicians and business leaders, it seems, do not. Albany's four centuries of history can be revealed by simply walking up and down one street: Albany's main street, named State Street, originally called Yonkers Street (Gentleman's Street in Dutch). State Street is 1,100 feet long and 100 feet wide, packed with standing relics of this history. This book will take you through the centuries by showing maps, illustrations, and photos of that time period, with interesting bits of history associated with each. Many of the landmark buildings have been demolished over the years, so we can only honor and appreciate the ones that have survived with hopes that the wrecking ball will not take the rest.