Heart's Delight Farm, Chazy NY

Post by **Rob R.** » Thu. Dec. 31, 2015 1:10 pm

I would like to share a video about a man that played a very important role in my local area; William H. Miner. He built a huge farm that continues to make many contributions to agricultural science. He built a wonderful school and hospital, and funded many other projects in the area. The school itself has quite an amazing story, I am fortunate to have one of the original leather-bound yearbooks, complete with the floorplans and curriculum.

https://vimeo.com/149795213

The video is just a trailer, the complete version should be available later this summer. If anyone wants to make the trip to Northern NY, the Miner Institute welcomes visitors.

waldo lemieux · Post by **waldo lemieux** » Thu. Dec. 31, 2015 1:22 pm

Nice Rob. If I am ever up that way I will see it. Guys like that always fascinate me. What was the draft gear thing they were referring to? Any links?

waldo

Post by **Rob R.** » Thu. Dec. 31, 2015 1:23 pm

As I understand it, the draft gear they mention is the automatic coupler used between railroad cars.

windyhill4.2 · Post by **windyhill4.2** » Thu. Dec. 31, 2015 1:26 pm

Very interesting,Thanks for the info Rob.

Sunny Boy · Post by **Sunny Boy** » Thu. Dec. 31, 2015 1:38 pm

Rob R. wrote:As I understand it, the draft gear they mention is the automatic coupler used between railroad cars.

Yup. I found this link that explains parts of one type.

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Automatic+Coupler

Very interesting. Thanks for posting that, Rob.

Paul

Post by **Rob R.** » Thu. Dec. 31, 2015 2:12 pm

waldo lemieux wrote:Nice Rob. If I am ever up that way I will see it. Guys like that always fascinate me. What was the draft gear thing they were referring to? Any links?

waldo

If you like the area you can buy my house, it is even on the Miner Farm RD.

titleist1 · Post by **titleist1** » Thu. Dec. 31, 2015 2:29 pm

Very interesting story I'll watch for the production on PBS. I'm always interested in learning about the backstory to inventions. Good thing he didn't work for the railroad or they would have kept him from patenting that himself and making his millions. I know a couple of former DuPont engineers that live around here. They 'strategically' retired, worked on a few projects in their garage and then filed for some patents which made them some big $$.

If I wanted to see the place I am guessing the tourist traffic would be pretty thin in late January?!?!?!

Post by **Rob R.** » Fri. Jan. 01, 2016 9:29 am

Tourist traffic is pretty light every day in these parts.

Post by **Rob R.** » Thu. Jan. 14, 2016 9:21 pm

http://www.whminer.com/heritageexhibit.html

If you ever make the trip and are interested in Colonial era history, check out the Alice T. Miner Museum. http://minermuseum.org/

Post by **Rob R.** » Fri. Oct. 21, 2016 6:45 pm

This documentary has been completed, and is now out on DVD. I purchased a copy and have enjoyed it very much. If someone would like to borrow it to watch, send me a PM.

Tomorrow is the 100 year anniversary of our local school, which was originally built and funded by Mr. Miner. The original building was torn down in the late 60's, however many of the original photos and artifacts remain.

One of the local members of our community dug up a bunch of old photos - here is one from 1937, you can see the old school in the background. It was the first centralized "rural school" in the US and had many features that were quite remarkable.

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samhill · Post by **samhill** » Fri. Oct. 21, 2016 8:56 pm

Thanks for the post Rob, I'll have to ask one of my neighbors if there is any relation. My property down here was once part of the Miner farm, maybe that's where they got their money, there was a wealthy man that used his wealth for the good of the locals & beyond.