Goin' For Water...

"I like this shot, it's my dad, joe and me going on a run across the lake to get fresh water from the pipe 1953" - John...

"Here is a shot of me walking up from Denny's dock about 1958" - J...

"My dad, Joe Giriat, and my sister Dee about 1961" - John...

"An early shot, late 1940's, of my mom and dad, Joe and Marge, standing on the frozen lake Ballard in winter. My dad was wearing his navy pea coat and cap from world war two" - John...

"Here is one of the few shots taken on the porch of our cabin about 1953, I'm playing with my cars here" - John...


Wonderful pictures from a lifetime at Ballard! Many thanks to John Giriat for providing them! They're all pure joy, going for water, John with his inner-tube, Dee rowin' her dad, John's parents - but if I had to pick a favorite, it's John playing cars on the porch. And don't forget to go here to view the slide show!

The Fort Builders

The builders, '53: Peter Molloy & Joe Giriat...

Joe on the hammer...
Imagine this happening today, a 10-year-old with a saw and hammer. Thank god we were born before soccer and oppressive adult supervision! And there they were, sawin' and hammerin' away! Great, absolutely GREAT!

Johnny & Joe Giriat at Ballard beach...

(What a terrific shot!)

In "The Field," '58 - Johnny & Dee Giriat, and cousin Dennis...

(click images to enlarge)

Great memories of happy times, thanks to John ("Johnny") Giriat!

Note: Several of the above photos were cropped to better fit the image constraints of the blog. The full-size versions - along with the above - are posted at our "Flickr" sister site; play the "Slide Show" to view all the Ballard photos full screen by clicking here.

Original Ballard Lake Map!

(Click on map to enlarge)

This is the main fragment of a map originally created by Mickey Kwasnicki, showing the lake, its road, paths, landmarks, structures, cabins, and the names of each of the 1950's residents - most of whom you'll find listed in the right sidebar as you scroll down. All in all, an incredible piece of Ballard Lake history and a terrific contribution... thanks to Mickey and Karen!

Holmes Railroad Station

(click image to enlarge)

Rick Jacobel and I were discussing Holmes (NY) recently. I've since discovered the above undated photograph -probably taken around 1900. A very interesting image, too. Notice the building shows no signs of wear, suggesting it had just been completed. Everything is neat and orderly, including the apparent station master.

Scenes From The Lake

Ice Fishers...Morning...
From "Snake Island"...

Photos by Bill Molloy - February, 2009

The above is just a sampling! Under "Links," click on Bill & Lori's "Scenes From The Lake" to see and enjoy the three slideshows - dozens and dozens of artful photos taken from various points on and around Ballard Lake!