During a recent drive through the Adirondacks, I came across this abandoned lodge along route 28N in Minerva, New York. A sad reality exists, especially in the United States that many historical buildings and places are being left to decay, alone in their own abandon. Ideally places like this would be preserved somehow as part of our own American history.
The following photographs document the current state of just one of many such places that despite their historical significance and importance, are being left to rot and decay, forgotten by all but the most curious of people, like me, who stop in for a closer look, before it’s lost and gone forever. Ideally, I’d like to think that my photographic documentation of abandoned places such as this will raise some much needed awareness and possibly lead to some preservation efforts. The photos presented here can also be seen here, on Flickr.
The sign outside reads, “THEODORE ROOSEVENT – September 14, 1901, stopped at Aiden Lair to change horses in night ride in Surrey from Mt. Marcy to North Creek to take oath of president at Buffalo.” – State Education Department 1935
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My company specializes in writing, photography, and website design. My father gave me my first camera when I was a small child, and it quickly became my most prized possession. I was also fascinated with exploring places others rarely ever ventured, such as abandoned places, buildings, and railroad cars.
As time went on, I formed a business centered around my passion; living larger-than-life adventures, and sharing the photographic journey on my website.
Thanks for the photos Thomas. My name is Tim. The Aidan Lair was owned by my ancestor Mike Cronin, on my mother’s side. The historic horse and buggy ride with the future President Roosevelt was with Mike Cronin.
Reading Theodore Rex and had to learn more about Auden Lair Lodge. I was disappointed to learn its fate. Any good news?
The current building was not the one TR visited, per comments by people; that burned; the one there now was built in 1914. One person posted that the original building was across the road. The historical market is gone, probably to not attract visitors to what is now a dangerous building; it should be torn down, the marker replaced, and a historical display added. Curious as to if the info I wrote is accurate. I’ve watched the building decline for decades.