In today's fast-paced world, Robert Blais is a rare breed: a public servant who loves what he does so much, he's stuck with it for more than 50 years.

In April of 2023, Blais will have served as mayor of Lake George for more than half a century. It's an exceptional feat that demonstrates his passion for the historic Adirondack community.

Village of Lake George via Facebook

Blais has hinted at retirement as far back as the early 2000s, but when his 2023 term ends, he intends to follow through on those plans. Born on the Fourth of July, 1936, Blais is 86 years old. He entered office on April 5th, 1971, and his 52 years in office makes him not only the longest-serving mayor in New York history, but in American history.

Commenting on his retirement in his Annual Report to the Village Taxpayers back in January, Blais had this to say:

"My last day in office will be March 31, 2023. Yes, this time I will actually retire. My leaving will be difficult but I would like to believe I am leaving the village a far better place economically and physically than in 1971."

Blais remains as active in his final year as he did in the beginning. His annual report was full of emphatic bulletpoints regarding the need for numbers on homes, touting record-breaking revenue from the town's parking meters, and his desire to see Lake George institute its own police department again (the previous one merged with the Warren County Sheriff's Office back in 1988).

HE ENTERED OFFICE ON APRIL 5TH, 1971

America looked completely different when Robert Blais first took office in 1971. Particular things of note:

The drinking age was 18
The Vietnam War waged on
A first class postage stamp cost $0.06
Minimum wage was $1.60 / hour

Cheers to Robert Blais on his forthcoming retirement, and to his achievement as longest-serving mayor in American history!

Village of Lake George via Facebook

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Abandoned Ramada Hotel in Lake George is Eerie as Hell

According to the description, this video was taken in the summer of 2021. It claims to be of the former Ramada Hotel in Lake George, although a couple different hotels/motels have sported the Ramada name over the years, it's not clear which one this is. Looking back at some property transactions, it may be a Ramada that eventually become known as the Lake View Inn and Conference Center, located on Route 9N off Northway exit 21. Since no footage looks to have been taken around the building, it's difficult to confirm that. The last photo taken by Google Maps has the road leading to the hotel roped off, so more than likely it's the same place. Perhaps some locals or former guests may recognize the property?

Still, some pretty interesting finds as the explorers take us on a tour of the hotel. It appears all the remaining items in the rooms were pushed out into the parking lot. Old TV's, mattresses, bedding and vending machines line the hotel in the parking lot in a large junk pile.

Inside, the sun room had clearly seen better days - that may have been a restaurant. We can also see a bathroom (urinals) and what appears to be the kitchen. The first floor looks to have been almost completely gutted, so maybe there are plans for this place?

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.