Explorer’s ‘Jobs 2.0’ series dug into past, present and future of employment in the Adirondacks
By Tim Rowland
When the Adirondack industrial age came to an end in the 1970s, previously dependable jobs in mills and mines dried up, just as the state was creating the Adirondack Park Agency and land-use regulations that were perceived, rightly or wrongly, as devaluing private property.
A decade of hardship and resentment ensued, which only began to change when the winter Olympics came to Lake Placid in 1980, touching off a new era of tourism and, oddly enough, prisons.
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When prisons proved unsustainable and began to close, residents leaned more heavily into patching together multiple jobs, an old Adirondack model, now under the new name of a gig economy. This coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which changed the face of North Country work.
In a generation, the greatest North Country labor problem went from not enough work to not enough help. New ideas were floated for attracting new employees to the area, including recruitment of soldiers retiring from Fort Drum
With few big employers remaining, Adirondack labor underwent a Great Decentralization, with entrepreneurs starting their own businesses and tech workers finding they could work remotely while maintaining an outdoor lifestyle.
But the labor market was changing for blue collar work as well. A dearth in Adirondack construction following the 2008 real-estate bust had driven many trades workers into retirement or out of the area. Those trades jobs have returned, fueled by a surge in new pandemic-driven construction.
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So too have Adirondack demographics affected the work force as an aging population will demand more medical workers and care givers and the North Country adapts to shifting patterns in population, climate, energy and investment — which in many ways is the same as it’s always been.
Photo at top: Students learn how to use the tools of their trades at the Adirondack Educational Center near Saranac Lake. Photo by Mike Lynch
Jobs 2.0: About this series
Fifty years ago, much of the Adirondacks’ industrial base shut down, taking jobs, capital and tax revenue with it. This introduced an era of high unemployment and poverty and a growing reliance on government jobs. By the 2020 pandemic, this era was itself fading. In this ongoing series, Adirondack Explorer traces the losses of the industrial age. We also look to the future: With a declining and aging population, the rise of remote work, an entrepreneurial renaissance, and the impacts of climate change and artificial intelligence on a new era for North Country employment.
This series is supported in part by a Generous Acts grant through Adirondack Foundation.
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Has anyone ever checked out Gloversville New York it used to be the world’s top Community for leather goods take a gander at what you find and you may be surprised they have the glove theater which is an old shine theater they have other interesting buildings there a lot of interesting people live there and they have one of the oldest libraries there I’ll just check it out you may find something interesting to write about
I lived in Edinburg for almost ten years; it was mostly full of old folks many of whom were retired. Gloversville is a dying city; anyone born there who is still young will probably leave for a warmer climate and a stronger economy. The Eric Canal Cities, Buffalo being a possible exception, will probably never recover economically; agriculture and tourism won’t be enough to allow a recovery.
Awhile back you were complaining about visitation dropping off in certain towns. Ninety something percent of towns do not have real public bathrooms (not Porta potties). Hugh mistake also no where near enough public parking (free). One at the beginning of the town and the other end for bathrooms and parking. Now let me hear we can’t afford it typical. So when your hotels and businesses start closing you won’t have to worry about it. If you want to see a town that does it right Cape May NJ.
How about a tax-free zone
Training for welders??
How about a let’s emigrate to a free state zone?
What about internment camps? Has anyone considered the possibility that former prisons could be repurposed to detain illegal immigrants if the next administration begins mass deportations? If millions are rounded up, they’ll need somewhere to house them before deportation, right? During World War II, New York state saw internment camps for Italians and Japanese—could history repeat itself?
And if we’re reimagining the Adirondacks, shouldn’t we factor in the national chatter? After all, the president-elect’s so-called “job development plan” could very well include such grim measures…… Stay tuned— the nation is in decline not just the Adirondacks.
I love the magazine it’s so informative keep up the good work you do ken
Thanks for reading, Ken!
Internment Camps! are you kidding me, these people fled repressive countries Just like are parents and grand parents. Create opportunity to grow and work, the restrooms for main street and free parking are good ideas. The next 4 years could be a nightmare for all of the USA except the 3% who are insulated by their money, when they offer it (not often) take it and invest in helping People. Good Luck