It’s time for another fun, local-ish song (or so I hope to discover) that just might celebrate the greatest of lakes, our one and only Lake Champlain. From the scarce little I’ve been able to learn about “In Old Champlain” (released in 1942 by Decca Records, performed by Mills Brothers, and music/lyrics by Cliff Friend and Charlie Tobias) it more likely pertains to a small town located near Rouses Point, New York.
Of course, I’m not even 100% certain that it relates to either, but I’m hoping that maybe, just maybe somebody out there — you, perhaps? — might able to help solve this mystery.
That’s right, today I’m sharing this crackly old audio recording (and an intriguing video montage based on the recording) with my perennial optimism that crowdsourcing this so far dead-ended research might illuminate it’s geographic/cartographic mooring. And I’m also hoping that lyrics — somewhat difficult to make out in this timeworn 78 — might manifest from the magical interwebs as well.
Audio of “In Old Champlain”
Enough with the details. “Can we skip to the good part?” No, not that good part. The poppy-scratchy but still pretty groovy 78 recording of “In Old Champlain” by Mills Brothers. Here. It. Is.
Hope you enjoyed that. And hope even more that you (or somebody within your rhizomic reach) can demystify the where this song is celebrating. Which Champlain are the Mills Brothers singing about?
Video Montage of “In Old Champlain”
I stumbled across this likely answer to my question. Champlain, New York is about a 45-50 minute drive north of us, close to the Canadian border. This video montage offers a pretty convince visual argument that the song is about this town located on the western shore of Lake Champlain. But, is the creator correct? Or merely inspired by the song’s title and lyrics?
If you enjoyed the song, spread the word. If you thought it stinks, spread the word. 😉 And maybe somebody will be able to help out. Thanks.
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