Wanakena Historical Association
Celebrating the History of the Clifton-Fine Area
2025 Season Theme "Mapping Place"
Plan a Visit...
Exploring Clifton-Fine? Come spend a day in Wanakena learning about the history and cultural heritage of the area! Visit one, or all four, of the historical sites listed below. While you are here, be sure to see some of the "Other Things to See and Do" in the area. Have questions? Reach out to us.
History Center:
In August 2021, the Wanakena Historical Association (WHA) opened a History Center in an original 1902 Rich Lumber Company worker house located at 21 Second Street. Today, the History Center has several permanent exhibits, an annual rotating exhibit, and Summer Special Programming events to make Clifton-Fine history accessible and inspiring to all. To learn more about our exhibits, see our Events/Exhibits calendar. History Center hours are posted at the bottom of this page. To visit the History Center outside of our regular hours, or for tour group visits, contact us via phone or email, or submit our Contact Form to schedule a visit.
Deep Dive: "The Journey From Old House to History Center" (coming soon)
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Original Rich Lumber Company worker house as it looked in 1907.
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Rich Lumber Company worker house as it looked in 2017 prior to restoration.
Restored Rich Lumber Company worker house opened in 2021 as the Wanakena History Center.
Walking Tour:
In July 2002, the WHA dedicated the self-guided “J. Otto Hamele Walking Tour of Wanakena History.” The Walking Tour is open seasonally from May through October. It begins at a kiosk in the center of town, and was expanded to include two kiosks on the other side of the Oswegatchie River. In addition, there are 12 photo stations marking other sites of interest. A colorful brochure with a map and descriptions of the kiosks and photo stations can be picked up at the kiosk at the center of town, or downloaded here.
Deep Dive: "How the Walking Tour got started" (coming soon)
Polly Hamele at Walking Tour dedication.
Footbridge:
Although the Wanakena footbridge is owned by the Town of Fine, the WHA helps maintain it. In 2014, when an ice jam destroyed the footbridge, the WHA led a community wide effort to raise over $450,000 to rebuild it. The new footbridge was dedicated on July 4, 2017 at an event hosted by the WHA. In 2024, the WHA led a bridge repainting effort that enabled area residents to play an active role in maintaining the history of their area.
Deep Dive: "The Footbridge as a Cherished Area Landmark" (coming soon)
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Bridge after 2014 ice jam.
The rebuilt bridge is now enjoyed by the next generation of Clifton-Fine community members.
Church:
The Wanakena Presbyterian Church is located at 32 Second St in Wanakena, and is currently part of the Western Adirondack Presbyterian Church group. Built in 1903, its design follows a "steepled ell" plan, with a distinctive steepled entry tower at the intersection of its two main sections. The tower features a louvered belfry topped by a pyramidal roof. The church's architectural design is attributed to Benjamin D. Price, a notable church plan catalog architect. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 28, 2007. In 2015-16, a major restoration effort repaired many parts of the building that were starting to fall in disrepair.
Deep Dive: "The Wanakena Church Story" (coming soon)
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Restoration work on the chruch.