Joseph Henry

The monument to Joseph Henry set against a spring-blue sky in Academy Park.

Bull's Eye Grating

An interesting target-like grate on some sort of small drain in Academy Park.

Dream Stone

I've always been very fond of the lovely fountain in Academy Park near Eagle Street. It's elegant and refreshing (and not aging too well, but that's a story for another post). I even posed for a photo there before my senior prom.

For some reason, I vaguely associated it with Albany's Tricentennial celebrations in 1986, but a recent search through the Times Union archives shows that it was erected in 1988. Well, no one's memory is completely perfect (though I do have some pretty vivid recollections from both years)

But, as often as I've admired the fountain, I never noticed this tiny plaque - a little smaller than a bumper sticker - affixed to a rock in the low shrubbery enclosing the fountain. I found it two days ago on my way to Lodge's and wondered just what it was doing there. The name Irving Kirsch was familiar...I knew he was a local attorney and philanthropist who passed away in 1999...but the little plaque didn't give a hint to why it was there.

Another search through the archives reveals that, in 1989, Mr. Kirsch donated $15,000 to help cover the expense of installing the fountain.

Oh, and for what it's worth, I completely agree with the sentiment on the plaque.

Peace

There are thousands of these markers, part of the Peace Pole Project, scattered around the world. Albany is home to several, including this one in Academy Park.