Ilion High School - Class of 1975

Source pdf file is here Herkimer NY Evening Telegram 1974 03458.pdf on fultonhistory.com

APPLAUSE REPLACES THE SOUND of horses hooves and carriage wheels where audiences for Ilion's Little Theater Group productions now sit.

THE REMINGTONS RODE IN STYLE - This 1870 model carriage remains in the basement of the stables where horses were once kept. The Remingtons probably rode in this very carriage and numerous ambassadors and other dignitaries may have shared the velvet cab with them.

A CENTURY OF FOOTFALLS on this winding stairway to the groomers and drivers quarters in the stables are reflected by the uneven stairway planks. (All photos by Tom Stocker)

BLOCK AND TACKLE - one of the original pieces of equipment that remains in the Remington Stables, Ilion, is this block and tackle. It no doubt used to haul countless ales of hay into the upper level of the building now used as a storage room for stage sets.

Afterglow Of A Golden Age

Many years ago, in 1928, the Remington mansion in Ilion was demolished and carted off for use in some area landfill. But a small part of that estate managed to escape the wreckers ball, and has survived to give us a glimpse into what is called "The Golden Age of Ilion."

The Stables stand as a testament to a group of individuals who preserved a small piece of Ilion's history, and a way of life that will soon be only a faded memory for some.

In 1870 Philo Remington, eldest son of Eliphalet Remington, founder of Remington Arms, built his estate on Armory hill. The Stables were constructed at the same time, and by today’s building standards are almost a mansion in size.

In 1930 the Ilion Little Theater Club acquired the stables from the trustees of the estate. The structure was then converted into a theater.

Although the building has undergone several interior changes since becoming the home, for the amateur theater group, it is still an outstanding piece of period architecture.

The projecting armory style tower, multiple gabled and truncated split level hip roof, the boxed masonry cornices, and the large paneled doors with circular arches all remain much to the credit of the theater group.

One exit door was added to the front of the building, however this was the only exterior change and almost seems to fit with the basic 19th century architecture.

The armory tower actually appears to be a clock tower, however it was originally glassed in. Countless rammings by suicidal pigeons managed to destroy most of the circular panes and costs of replacing the glass was prohibitive for the theater group so the windows were boarded up.

The interior of the building has undergone many changes, but the plank floors and arched doors remain and remind visitors that this building was after all once a stable.