Back on January 16, 2001, 23 three years ago, I wrote the following column. It seems timely for all the Troy newbies.

In my lonely pursuits to fight for Law, Justice, and the American Way, I often find myself at social gatherings throughout the area. Inevitably, someone mentions my Troy book and every baby boomer in the room quickly turns the discussion to their memories of Troy in their youth.

I have never seen such a phenomenon in my life. I’ve visited every major city in this country. Many people have grown up in old industrial cities and share affection with their past, but nothing like the passion exhibited by Trojans. You can tell they not only sense the loss of their city, but, to borrow from Bill Clinton, “feel the pain.”

When I mention that I couldn’t walk on the streets of Troy as a teen without bumping (literally) into someone, they look in disbelief. When I tell them that a Friday night on River Street between Fulton and State was like crowding into a Tokyo subway car, they call me a liar. But for those baby boomers reading this they know it’s all truth that I speak.

The “Strip” as River Street was known had........

© The Saratogian