Written by Megin Potter | Photos by Super Source Media Studios
Once again, on a sunny day this spring, Lake Avenue second graders marched the short distance from their school to one of the oldest structures in Saratoga Springs, the Olde Bryan Inn on Maple Avenue.
Awaiting their arrival is John Kosek, who worked in the building for 20 years. In late 1979, the Olde Bryan Inn restaurant opened at the site, and by January 1980, Kosek started as a line cook, later becoming their General Manager.
Although he’s now worked at Longfellows Restaurant for a decade, and is currently General Manager there, for the past thirty years he has returned to the Olde Bryan Inn as a volunteer, hosting tours of the property for students in the Saratoga and Schuylerville school districts.
“I grew up in a family of historians and I’ve always enjoyed history,” said Kosek. “I think it’s important for young students to get a feel for their local history and an appreciation for the people who came before us that built our city into what it is today.”
Starting at the Beginning
Guide John Kosek’s enthusiasm is visible as he begins an hour-long tour of the Olde Bryan Inn.
The children respond to it immediately.
They eagerly answer questions about the wording used on the historical marker in front of the building before hearing how, in the 1770s, colonists and Native Americans both had dwellings located near what was then called the “Medicine Spring of the Great Spirit,” the rocky cone in the valley below that spouted mineral water (now known as High Rock Spring).
Even at such a young age, the students recognize the names of George Washington, General Phillip Schuyler, and his son-in-law Alexander Hamilton, who would come to be counted among the spring’s many visitors.
“Saratoga was the summer place to be even when the Native Americans were here,” said Kosek.
A Peek into the Past
The group learns that previously, a log tavern and inn stood on this spot, built by Revolutionary War hero Alexander Bryan. Alexander’s son, John Bryan, built the stone structure that stands there today.
While explaining some of the features of the federal style architecture, Kosek shows them a photo of the covered porch once attached to the building. When he points out the expressive oval “eyebrow windows” that look out onto Rock Street, it brings the house to life for the children.
He also explains the patriotic symbolism painted by artist Frankie Flores on the “Saratoga Stripes” fiberglass horse sculpture perched by its main entrance.
The Families Who Lived Here
Once inside, the children learn more about the Bryan family, as well as the Burnham Family, who built a brick addition onto the home and founded Burnham’s Hand Laundry there. Wealthy summer guests (including the Vanderbilt and the Whitney families) joined the local clientele in trusting the Burnhams to launder their finest things.
The building was passed down to the Burnham’s daughter, Mrs. Pearl LaMontain, and then to her daughter, Mrs. Beatrice Veitch, who continued to operate the laundry with her husband until her death in 1953. The business closed the following year.
The Veitch family remained at the residence until 1979. In 1981, the Olde Bryan Inn as we know it today was born when Steve Sullivan joined the building’s new owners, Dave Powers and Joe Wilkinson. Today, Sullivan and Powers also own Longfellows Inn and Restaurant on Union Avenue.
Stories of Strange Happenings
While sitting in the front bar area, the children are told how this space was originally the home’s kitchen. The large fireplace and its two side toasting ovens were later sealed over, then found again during renovations.
Moving into the front dining room, Kosek asks the students to imagine the house as it once was - heated by fireplaces that are still there; people coming and going through the front door (which is now blocked by a dining table), along the hallway and staircase that no longer remain.
He then shares ghostly stories of furniture moving on its own, visions of a wandering woman in green, and other strange encounters that are said to have occurred since.
Upstairs, they learn that where once there were bedrooms, now is office space and restrooms. They take turns looking down to the dining area below before venturing further up the building’s winding staircase into the former attic area to peek through those interesting eyebrow windows they saw from outside.
History for the Future
To conclude the tour, visitors peruse a table of artifacts discovered at the site over the years, including; oyster and clam shells that were likely ground up to use as mortar, a clay pipe, coins, ceramic plate shards, weathered nails, animal bones, and more.
Over a lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches, students Wesley George and Brodie Macejka agree with many of their classmates - hearing ghost stories and seeing through the eyebrow windows was their favorite part of the tour.
“Seeing upstairs made me feel like it was an actual house and that I’m in it with the people that lived here,” added Georgia Zansie.
Their teacher, Polly O’Connell has been bringing her students on the field trip for more than 15 years.
“They enjoy the ghost lore,” she said, adding, “It’s important children know how the country formed and about the hard work and bravery of our founding fathers and the colonists to gain independence.”
Parent chaperone Nora Pellegrino and her son, Jack, already enjoy dining at the Old Bryan Inn and were curious about its history.
“It gives it a whole other layer,” she said. “Learning about history is more important than ever for children. Learning about past mistakes and not making the same again is so important. In today’s fast-paced society, we need to make sure kids have the time to reflect on things rather than just act.”
Learn more about the history of the Olde Bryan Inn,
123 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, on Facebook
@OldeBryanInn@40
