Safe Haven: Holocaust Refugee Shelter

Oswego, NY- Safe Haven

May 5th 2022

I had learned that there was a one of a kind place located just north of my home in Oswego NY, Safe Haven. Safe Haven was the only Holocaust Refugee camp in the United States. 

Between 1941-1945 Aldolf Hitler and the German Nazi's had killed some 600 million European Jews initiating and during World War II. Hitler had instructed laws that the Jewish wear yellow stars on their clothing, banned them from riding public transportation and community institutions, this soon moved to the burning and raiding of Jewish owned businesses, synagogues and even murder. During WWII Hitler and the German expanded the hate for the Jewish and began spending the Jewish population to concentration camps where they were separated from family members, treated as slave labors and starved to death. 

The maltreatment of these individuals included rape, medical experimentation and murder. Awaiting the outcome of the war, there were several displaced people who were brought to The United States. From 1944-1945 982 refugees were brought to the shores of Lake Ontario, this was Safe Haven. 

History like this is never easy to learn about, but this was somehow inspiring despite that these individuals lived on this property for nearly two years never leaving. The inspiring part was that these people made a home and a community here. At wars end, some stayed in this community and others were reunited with family in their home country. 

The Haven was once the home of Fort Ontario and they homes were the old barracks. This was an example of one of the rooms. 

Perhaps not the most warm in hospitality, but as we are unfortunately aware, this refuge was much better then the alternative. 

Some of the artifacts from those who came to NY.

Caricatures were common for the day. Often showing some humor in such a harsh reality.

The wall of refuges.

Interesting and inspiring to learn if the peoples survival and their ability to thrive. Many of these individual became teachers, doctors and productive members of the community. 

We decided on a visit to the lake and the fort. 

There is also a memorial for the Holocaust. 

The fort was used during the French and Indian wars.

Later we enjoyed a lunch at a local eatery.

 

Dude Ranch 2022

 ADK, NY

May 18th 2022

This was my 2nd trip with Tulip Travel (an organization that assist individuals with disabilities on trips) to the dude ranch. Nestled in the Adirondacks is this camp/farm/ranch. It's an all inclusive family resort called 1,000 Acres Ranch.

Driving to the ranch was beautiful. We took those small back roads surrounded by rivers, tress and mountains. Our drive from Central NY took us through these lush green trees and small ADK towns.

Once we arrived, we checked in, had a wonderful dinner in the main lodge and spent the evening relaxing, doing crafts and playing games. This relaxed evening was welcomed.

We had rooms in the hotel like building. But we have had rooms in the many cottages that line along the river. The following morning we visited with the farm animals before heading to breakfast.

Lots of chickens and some very fat pigs.

This guy was so fat he couldn't even get up to say hi.

I walked around the property enjoying the scenery. It sure is pretty. 

We had breakfast, a few games. I almost won bingo, lunch and an afternoon full of horseback riding. Our group was broken into groups, so I spent that afternoon back at the ranch for part of the day and rain prevented riding later that day. Disappointing, but we enjoyed movies in the Lodge instead.

Dinner of chicken parm was yummy, (all the food was yummy) . After dinner the ranch held a private dance party for us. 

Annette and Chris got down to the music. We had so much fun dancing and enjoying the music. I definitely burned off any of that amazing dinner that evening.

Although, I didn't get pictures. The second evening there was karaoke and I had so much fun singing. We all took our turn singing. And I would coax my fellow travelers to take their own turn. Annette and I sang Paradice By the Dashboard light. I sang Meatloafs part. I don't know how that man didn't pass out on the stage everything he was singing this song. I was able to join in on the horseback riding.

Our group has been visiting here over the years and the ranch offers rides within the ring for less experienced or nervous rides, while those who are better riders take to the trails. 

The horses are incredible. 

The trail rides are adventurous. The trails are not completely flat and often the jaunt takes you up or down steep hills. It certainly gives the rider the real cowboy or as in this ranch cowgirl experience.

 

Almost all of the hands are female at this ranch

All are very knowledgeable about the horses and riding. The lead hand did some tricks on our last visit. But this year she's pregnant. She's also moving. This will be our last encounter with her at the ranch.

We were able to get a group photo. 

I wish I could remember my horses name. I really enjoyed the ride. This is certainly a unique stay. Everyone is so nice and as always we had a great time.