Astride The Border by sandra46
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Description
From Akwesasne (the Mohawk reservation), which forms the southern boundary of Ft. Covington, on the US side, we crossed the border, which forms the northern boundary of the village, to go back to Quebec. We knew here there is a very peculiar building, so we asked a very kind US Border Patrol officer to show us the precise location. The Canadian officer, after he saw me taking some photos, asked what I was doing. After my explanation, which included the summary of an episode of The Border, an Ontario TV serial, he concluded I was mad, but harmless.
This building is the former International Hotel, but nearby this business was known as the Half Way House, straddling the US-Canada border between Ft. Covington and Dundee. The border's location was painted in black along the floor. While taking turns playing the ten cent pinball machine in the bar, people never tired of standing with one foot planted in Quebec, the other in New York. At the international pool table, you could line up your shot in Dundee, Quebec and sink it in Fort Covington, NY. The International Hotel was first operated by Jean Baptiste (John B.) Taillon in 1820. The bar was partly in Canada and partly in the United States, an obvious help to his business. The dance floor still has the international line down the center noting the Canadian and the U.S.A. sides. Opposite the hotel was the Taillon store, which was later burned down. The premises were open at least until 10-15 years ago.The Taillons of Dundee and Fort Covington, N.Y. came from Glengarry, Ontario. There were numerous branches of the family, and many members wrote their name as Tyo.
This isn't the only building crossed by the border: it seems that in a number of houses, you can sleep in Quebec and eat in NY, or you can have a bed where your head is in Dundee, and your feet in Ft. Covington. The hostile memories of the border here date back to the British-American War of 1812-13 and Ft Covington gets its name from an American general. After that war, however, this (at the time) godforsaken area was less a border, and more an area where everybody worked, married, traded and befriended with everybody else, as it is today. Local lore proudly cherishes the memory of Prohibition Era smuggling, with Indian and non-Indian denizens happily working for Al Capone and Joseph Kennedy (yes, John's daddy).
Thank you for your kind comments.
Comments (29)
MOSKETON
GRACIAS POR COMPARTIRLO.
GBCalls
Nice to see this one. I have heard of this. I have been to the border at Canada long ago and never crossed it. North of my home a couple hours and still I sit comfortably here. Non too adventurous I guess.
lyron
Interesting information. Very cool shots!!
bmac62
Very interesting and it confirms other stories I have heard. Glad you convinced the local authorities that you weren't up to any mischief. Neat collage to illustrate your story:-) Sounds like you two are really enjoying yourselves!
Minda
great info and excellent shot sandra!!
brycek
Wonderful capture and information!!
Richardphotos
very interesting facts and captures
danapommet
Very interesting narrative. Dana
Radar_rad-dude
Thanks for sharing this wonderful stop on your marvelous travels! I trust you and Flavia are having a wonderful time? Wishing you continued happiness and good times! 5+++++
Amosicho
Wonderful photos
mgtcs
Excellent shot, very well done my friend!
clbsmiley
Cool!! I heard about a library like that too...
Digitaleagle
Very interesting facts to go your shots and collage very well done!!!
MrsLubner
Interesting information. great collage.
pops
Great picture and this is very interesting
claude19
Great historical comment...I like it ! Interesting collage also ! it exists also this border between Switzerland and France : we drink in France...we eat in Switzerland...and as this house is on the border....and Switzerland make excellent chocolates, you can easily understand...it is always a border's policeman on the room of this house !!! (smiles)
jeroni
Splendid composition and colors my friend
Cosme..D..Churruca
great!
lucindawind
wonderful info ! great photo
virginiese
nice shot. This building looks very old ! funny story :-)
Darkwish
Great shot and story!
schonee
Wonderful and always you give the best info
flora-crassella
very interesting and wonderful photos!!!
BessieB
Brilliant narrative Sandra, you two are certainly getting around. Interesting shots too, thanks for sharing
magnus073
Great pics and as always splendid work on the info for them
Miska7
Very nice collage! Great shots.
Buffalo1
Wonderful history along the US/Canada border. As you noted, there are more than a few families with land and businesses on both sides. It's a sad thing that your curiosity aroused the suspicions of a border guard, but that's life after 9-11.
petercp
Very interesting building and good explanation also.
mariogiannecchini
Sto imparando un mucchio di cose interessanti dalle tue foto con esaurienti spiegazioni. Bello che ti piaccia documentare i tuoi lavori e in questo modo ci documentiamo anche noi.