By Mark Stash, Editor
2026 is shaping up to be quite a momentous year. Not only are we celebrating 25 years of publishing Life in the Finger Lakes magazine, but we as a nation are commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which makes the United States 250 years old.
The birth of a nation inspired documentary filmmaker Ken Burns to showcase the Revolutionary War in a 12-hour PBS special. His interpretation of those years and events wasn’t always the popular and legendary views we grew up with in history class. He said that he tried to be as truthful as possible in presenting the facts of what really happened. He and his team took 10 years to put the film together.
Those early years of the U.S. always interested me. I think a part of the reason why is because I was at an impressionable age in 1976, when we celebrated the Bicentennial. My family and I made a visit to Fort Ticonderoga, which to an 7-year-old, is quite impressive. I remember receiving a toy Fort Ticonderoga for my birthday that year, along with figures that represented both sides of the Revolutionary War. You can imagine that it quickly became one of my favorite toys.
Staying with the theme of the early days of the U.S., we published an article in this issue that describes how the early years had challenges without a nationwide banking system. Authors Pat Rollins and Ben Noble write that, because of a lack of silver or gold coinage, paper currency became necessary for the economy to grow. From this need, bank notes were created by local banks, railroads, farming and canal-building companies. Many bank note institutions in the Finger Lakes Region helped in the development of the area. We’ve presented some samples of these bank notes, starting on page 24.
Turn to page 8 to get a taste of the beginnings of this magazine brand, and quotes from some of the people who contributed to the premier Summer 2001 issue. We plan on showcasing more memories and nostalgia in each issue this year, hitting on some high points over the past 25 years of passionately covering this wonderful region.
Stay warm this winter and enjoy these crisp days!
