Then and Now
Roll your cursor over the photos on the left to see the past become the present, and read more about each one below...
Rice Building | River Street | Music Hall | Burden Waterwheel |
Then
This stately structure at the intersection of River Street and First Street in downtown Troy was originally named the Hall Building, after Troy resident Benjamin H. Hall, Esq., who had it built in 1871. This photo (courtesy of the Rensselaer County Historical Society) was taken in the 1920s.
Now
Renovated in 1999 - 2000, the building is now an “incubator center” -- a place where new business ventures get started. In 1993 is was featured in director Martin Scorsese's film, The Age of Innocence, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Daniel Day Lewis and Winona Ryder.
Then
This photo of River Street near Congress shows horse drawn carts making their way past shops and businesses such as a drug company, a furniture store and a carpet store. (photo courtesy of the Rensselaer County Historical Society.)
Now
Today, some of those buildings are now apartment houses, and the street is a pleasant place to stroll and browse for antiques.
Then
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall opened on April 19, 1875. Recognized from the beginning as being one of the most acoustically perfect venues in the nation, it has welcomed world-renown performers such as Rachmaninoff and Paderewski.
Now
Not much has changed, literally. No one wants to do anything that would alter the acoustics, so the interior has been kept much the same as it was. And, just as in the old days, today’s best musical artists continue to perform here and draw crowds from around the region.
Then
Built in 1838 by Henry Burden to power his horseshoe factory, this 60-foot diameter, 1200 horse-power waterwheel was known as “The Niagara of Waterwheels,” the largest of its kind in the world. (photo courtesy of the Rensselaer County Historical Society.)
Now
Abandoned around the turn of the century, this impressive symbol of the region's industrial heritage fell into ruin and is now gone forever. The Gateway is working hard to prevent the further loss of landmarks and properties like this one.
