A Day In Clayton

Friday, May 31st, 2024-Clayton, NY

As much as we love our view from Public Square, NBC Watertown decided to take our office to Clayton for the day! While enjoying our breakfast from Sliders Food Mart, we sat and watched the waves of the majestic St. Lawrence River crash into the shoreline of Frink Park. The early morning crisp air grazing our faces while the sun glistened off the water is not a bad way to start the day. Although we are out of the office, there is still work to be done.  As we proceed through the doors of the beautiful 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, we were welcomed by the lovely staff at the front desk and escorted to the conference room where we planned, prepped and reviewed this quarters to do list. Wandering the halls of the great Harbor Hotel, we couldn’t help but notice the detail and craftmanship that has been created. The Harbor Hotel brings a certain elegance to the already magnificent views of the 1000 Islands.

For the afternoon, we said our “see you later’s” to the Harbor Hotel and the team made the short trip over to the Clayton Island Tours. Conveniently, Kay’s Kitchen, the onsite concession had our picnic-style bagged lunches ready and easily accessible for us to grab before boarding. Upon boarding the Night Heron, we’re welcomed by the boat’s Captain and Tour Guide, Matt and Matt. The twin names were the highlight of their jokes! 😊 Captain Matt cruised us along the St. Lawrence River on the glass bottom boat which allowed us to see parts of the river we never knew existed. During the tour, Matt, our tour guide educated us on the wildlife, facts and history of the 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence River.

Included in the tour was the opportunity to explore the famous Rock Island State Park. The park is home to the historic 1847 Rock Island lighthouse. Stepping off the boat onto the dock, we couldn’t help but wander in awe as we made our way around the island and through the Keeper’s Cottage. Who knew there would be so much history on one little island.

Mr. Peter Kirkhopper, the park’s guide, took us up the winding staircase to the top of the lighthouse for an unparalleled view. Mr. Kirkhopper explained the very interesting and unique history of the lighthouse and it’s grounds. While enjoying the view, we listened to the story of how just off Rock Island’s shore is one of the most popular dive sites in the St. Lawrence.  The site is home to the remains of the A.E. Vickery shipwreck.  Late in the evening of August 15, 1889, the A.E. Vickery struck a shoal resulting in the ship’s sinking. Today, the A.E. Vickery rests, partially intact, at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River under about 100 feet of water.

While making our way back to the mainland, we were able to see and learn so much about the 1000 Islands. Matt, our tour guide, cracked jokes and told stories about the Prohibition Bootlegging operation on the river and Abbie Hoffman, the fugitive who saved the river from winter navigation. We were able to see the 19th Century shipwreck of General Hancock’s remains nestled on the shore of Mantolin Island. It was truly an honor to explore and hear pieces of history of the “mightiest river in the world”

NBC Watertown would like to thank the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel for accommodating our meeting, The Clayton Island Boat Tours for a great boat tour experience and Mr. Peter Kirkhopper and the staff of Rock Island State Park for the very informative and educational presentation of the island’s history. We had a great time on the lake!