Graw Rd Stream Revisited

In my last blog I have described How I have been finding stream pebbles in the Graw Road area of Schodack N.Y. The zip area somewhat in the 12123 region. Further research and discussion with people in the area has informed me of a stream that was activeuntill appx the mid 1960's. It ran through the farms and hills of that area. Graw Rd as a consequence was often in a washed out condition. In he 1920's the then Supt. of Highways Lewis Hudson built a culvert across Graw Rd to channel the stream into the near by wet land. This was done at appx 28 Graw Rd. The stream ran as an all year stream with the Spring the heavest time of water supply. It was a reliable enough source of water that a wooden Barrel was sunk into the ground next to the road and was used to water teams of horses. Farmers used horse or ox power well into the 1940's and even early 1950's. The Town would on a regular basis rent horse teams from local farmers to use in the building of bridges or do road grading on the then numerous dirt roads. This watering area was used by local farmers and road crews atleast into the 1940's. The stream finally dried up in appx 1960's. There was a deep 5 yr drought in the early 60's. Many water sources dried up or were used more extensively. The stream dried up as well as the wet land which has been taken oven by woodland. It never returned. The barrel eventually collapsed or was removed. I believe, however, that on my most recent visit I located the original placement across from 28 Graw Rd.