Kevin Conner - A Memory

           A memory is defined as a mental capacity or faculty of retaining and reviving facts, events, and impressions, or of recalling or recognizing previous experiences. In other words, it is a mental impression that is retained as a recollection of something in particular. There are many different kinds of memories however. There are those that we cherish and will always put a smile on our faces when we think of them. There are others that we cringe when we think of like embarrassing memories of a night out. And there are also memories that will follow us through our entire lives and will always mean something either in a positive or negative manner. For me, I have had some of my fondest and greatest memories in the town where I grew up. These recollections of the past will follow me throughout the rest of my life and coming back home and seeing the places these memories occurred will always bring forth a certain emotion associated with that memory.

           North Creek, New York is a hamlet of Johnsburg in Warren County which is located in the Adirondack Park. The town is known for its tourist attractions such as the magnificent hiking trails, the whitewater rafting in the summer, and the skiing at Gore Mountain during the winters. Another popular attraction in North Creek is the Saratoga North Creek Railroad which brings people back and forth between the towns following the tracks of the historic Adirondack Railway. North Creek is very small with only one main road going through the town with the major intersection being a four way stop with no stoplights. The high school is a three story building that holds about 300 students which encompasses grades K-12. The graduating class of 2011 had 32 students which is about the average number for an entire grade. While growing up, I could never really understand why my parents would choose to live in such an isolated place. I became aggravated and confused when I was younger because I believed that there was nothing to do in North Creek as compared to a larger town such as Saratoga. My dad used to tell me not to wish my youth away and to enjoy the place we lived in because there is no place like this to grow up in. Once I had grown up, I realized how lucky I really was to be raised in such a beautiful place. I had an amazing family and a great friend group and could not have asked for a better childhood. The memories that I have of certain scenery within North Creek will always remind me of the past and of my home amongst the mountains.

Figure 1: Milton Ave.

            The first photo is of Milton Avenue which is the street that I lived and grew up on. This is where I first learned how to shoot a basketball, how to skateboard, and how to parallel park a car. Whenever I turn down Milton Ave. it is a memory of where I come from and signifies that I have finally made it back to my home. For me, this street will always have some significance because it is and will forever be my home.

Figure 2: JCS Soccer

            The second photo is of a soccer goal on a desolate and snow covered field. During high school, soccer was a huge part of my life and I dedicated a major portion of my time to the sport. It was more than just an after school activity for me, it was an avenue to express myself. It allowed me to be part of something bigger and was a way to challenge myself physically and mentally. The team that I was part of was very successful and the memory of the goals scored on the sacred pitch will always be with me.

Figure 3: Johnsburg Central School

            The third photo is of Johnsburg Central School. This is the high school that I attended and graduated from in 2011. This is the building in which my entire academic career had taken place. The memory of this school is so important to me because it signifies the great times that I had with my very close friend group while growing up. We would do everything together inside the school including playing soccer, basketball, and baseball, and then would hang out every weekend. I cannot imagine having a different group of friends growing up with and the sight of the school always brings back memories of our childhood adventures.

Figure 4: Hudson River

            The fourth photo is taken from a bridge and is of the Hudson River. The river plays a major part in the economy of North Creek. This is also the bridge that I had to cross in order to reach one of my best friend’s houses which I would cross constantly when I was younger. The symbol of the river is very important because it reminds me of all the times on the river rafting and fishing.

Figure 5: Route 8

            The fifth photo is of Route 8 and is the main road that leads into North Creek. This photo is important because whenever I see it, it signifies that I have finally reached North Creek. Route 8 is the main road that bypasses the town of North Creek. The imagery of the mountains in the background is something that I will always remember and will assimilate with my hometown.

Figure 6: Durkin Road

            The sixth photo is of the road leading to another one of my best friend’s house. This road will always remind me of the great times that we would have while we were younger. We would roam the woods behind his house and swim in his pool during the summers. Whenever I pass this road it is a reaction to look down and see his house and remember all the great times we had.

Figure 7: Gore Mountain

            The seventh photo is of a Gore enthusiast holding the sign. Gore Mountain plays a major role in the economy of North Creek and played a major role in the childhood of my friends and I. Being literally at the foot of Gore Mountain, all the students at the local high school received free seasons passes and due to this Gore became a very popular spot to be during the winter months. Learning to snowboard and ski is something that I will cherish and remember forever because not all people are able to have such opportunities.

Figure 8: Ski Bowl Park

            The eighth photo is of the Ski Bowl which is the recreational park of North Creek.  This park contains little-league fields, basketball and tennis courts, a tubing park as well as night skiing, with two central buildings in the middle. This is where I went to summer camp for many years. I can remember the anticipation of waiting for summer camp to start as well as the memories that I had with friends at this location.

Figure 9: Nice N Easy

            The ninth photo is of a Nice and Easy employee holding the sign in the store. Within the town of North Creek, there are only two gas stations that are right next to each other and compete for business. I took this photo because it reminded me of the many late night trips to the store that I took with friends during the time that I was home.

Figure 10: Main Street North Creek, NY

            The tenth photo is of the main street that does through the center of town. As previously stated, this is the main street of North Creek and the only one that runs though town. This is memorable for me because every time I would go into town I would see this imagery. It is a memory that I will never forget.

            Overall, I chose to use images of my hometown of North Creek that made me recall a certain memory or images that would remind me of being home. My hometown is very important to me because it is where I grew up and I used these images in order to remember the past. I will never forget where I came from and am proud to say that I am from a small town called North Creek in the Adirondack Park.