Front Page Feature Continued...
As the great niece of Ira Gray of the town of Day, NY, I have very fond memories of my great Uncle Ike also known as "Adirondack Ike". Ira Gray was born in 1886 near Jenny Lake and died in 1982 at the ripe old age of 96. He lived in a small home known as "Hi-N-Dri" near Brooks Bay ( "Brooks" a family name on his mother's side) with a sign that read " Welcome friends - no strangers here". A dedication was made by the Saratoga 2000 Committee regarding his home and a plaque and post are proudly featured on the lawn depicting Ira Gray's life and commitment.
He was well known as a farmer, wagon driver, guide, forest ranger, trapper, hunter, woodsman, carpenter.. and was instrumental in building many camps on Sacandaga Lake, having lived in his earlier years before Sacandaga Lake was just farm land. Uncle Ike traveled through out the beautiful Adirondacks and Canada, where he hunted animals both large and small.. which included moose, bear, deer, rabbits and squirrels.
Uncle Ike was proud of his ancestry.. from relatives traveling over on the Mayflower to serving in the Revolutionary War.. and whereby relatives first settled in the Sacandaga area over 200 years ago..and now where current relatives carry on the legacy.
My memories are long of my great uncle.. a tall, thin gentleman with high cheek bones, suspenders and a twinkle in his eye. There were many family gatherings where a clear mind of stories of yester year were relived.. a time when life was less stressful as of today. His small home of history nestled with beautiful memories of short summers and long winters..depicted a life of hard work, perseverance and interests. From listening to him play the harmonica and jaw harp.. to watching a hound dog sit closely by his side. His interests included woodworking, letter writing and conversation..Uncle Ike also served in various town office positions in the Town of Day.. proudly serving his community.
His name and life have been featured in various forms of media such as newspaper articles and television. He is an author of two books titled: "Follow my Moccasins Tracks" and My Memories from 1 to 91. Along with two museums: The Town Hall in Northville, NY and Kinnear Museum in Luzerne, NY.
I am sure that many folks around the Sacandaga Lake area have heard the name "Adirondack Ike" once or twice. He was and will always be well respected for his love and interest of the Great Sacandaga Lake. Where he walked many miles in his day...and paved the way for many family and friends.. That a kind smile, respect and healthy living are the key ingredients for a long and happy life. With the sound of ripplings water and cheerful birds singing..The Great Sacandaga Lake is a better place for having known a gentleman by the name of Ira "Adirondack Ike" Gray who loved and cared for its surroundings.
I enjoyed reflecting on a young girl's memories of her great uncle.. I am proud of my ancestry and to carry on the "Gray" name..
Holly Gray
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