A Bench For Souls

The Pond at the Albany Rural Cemetery (also known as Cypress Waters) is surrounded by benches which give visitors a nice place to relax.  The benches were made possible by donations and there are plaques affixed to each.  This one is particularly interesting.

Given by William D. Dearstyne, Jr. and Peter R Kermani, classmates and lifelong friends, in honor of their families buried at Albany Rural Cemetery, October 1, 2007. This bench is for visitors to use to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this place overlooking The Pond. When the Cemetery is closed, this bench is reserved exclusively for the souls of the donors.

(Why not follow along as I digitally explore the Rural Cemetery at my other blog?)

Fourth Precinct Plaque

This plaque is mounted just inside the doorway of the old police station on Madison Avenue near Lark Street.  Built as the Fourth Precinct, it was home to Metroland until last year and is now being converted to condos.

The Knick

Before it was the Times Union Center, it was the Pepsi Arena.  But when it opened, it was the Knickerbocker Arena.  And, no, it wasn't named for The Knickerbocker News (which has since ceased publication).  The name was selected in a contest.  This plaque hangs in a rather dark corner near the main entrance.

Living In An Old Brewery

A plaque on the wall gives a short history of the Knickerbocker Apartments on Dove and Jay Streets. This massive building was once one of Albany's many breweries and, like the former Hinckel Brewery near Lincoln Park, has found a new use as a residential building.

361 State Street

I'm rather fond of named buildings, especially older apartment buildings. This one, The Westerlo, is on State Street just west of Lark Street. A matching plaque on the left of the doorway gives the street number.

The Hudson River Club Plaque

Tablet on the wall of the former Hudson River Day Line ticket offices on lower Broadway.

The Old Market House

There is a set of plaques on the medians along State Street between Eagle and Lodge Streets. Each one gives a brief history of sites along this block, including the location of Fort Frederick and St. Peter's Episcopal Church. This one identifies the location of an early Market House, a wooden pavilion that provided stalls for produce vendors on Wednesdays and Saturdays.