Celebrating a tradition at Fort Klock By Linda Kellett, C-S-E News Staff ST. JOHNSVILLE — Tucked away in a small corner of the trade room at Fort Klock on Sunday, 5-year-old Fonda resident Rory McGrattan and his mother listened with rapt attention as Fort Klock Historic Restoration member Mary Brewster, seated in a chair by the fireplace, related the story of St. Nicholas. At her feet were a pair of wooden shoes, from which protruded evergreen twigs and the top of a bright orange carrot. The carrot was for St. Nicholas’ horse, she explained, noting that the Dutch and Palatine German immigrants who settled the valley during the colonial era would have celebrated St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6. Placing their shoes hearthside, children might have hoped for a gift from the legendary fourth century bishop from Asia Minor. A few feet from the trio stood a red-cloaked figure with a white beard and a bishop’s staff, who greeted new arrivals to the Revolutionary War-era fortified farmstead with questions: “Have you been saying your prayers?” he asked. After mumbled responses, he listened as the youngsters related their holiday wishes. During a respite from the steady flow of children and adults who poured through the doors during the annual St. Nicholas Day celebration, the bewhiskered saint (Fort Klock President Eugene Wagner) noted the group has observed the holiday tradition for around 30 years. Mild weather contributed to a larger-than-normal turnout; and the many people present sang with and listened to selections performed by the 18th century music ensemble, Liaisons Plaisantes; sampled gingerbread, hot chocolate and mulled cider in the kitchen; and watched blacksmith Steve Gurzler, of Ballston Lake, forge implements in the blacksmith shop on the grounds of the historic site. Amsterdam resident Jo Van O’Linda, a frequent visitor to the site, was present with her son, Tracy, and other family members. “We’ve been coming here every year for years and years,” said Tracy, noting that a nephew years ago was a participant of the fort’s Young Pioneer Program. Shayna Humphreys, of Colonie, and Mindy Harris, of Latham, said they enjoyed the music the most of all the fort’s St. Nicholas Day events. -- Bob Sullivan Schenectady Digital History Archive <http://www.schenectadyhistory.org/> Schenectady County (NY) Public Library