Schroon's Fulton Fryar's Closet

Fulton Fryar, from North Carolina, was gifted with a beautiful voice. In 1957 he was invited by John Seagle, of the Seagle Music Colony, to attend Schroon’s world famous opera training program.

But the then 17-year-old had to stay in separate quarters while attending the colony that summer because of the color of his skin. The issue of racial segregation in the south had not been resolved.

When his segregated quarters faced demolition last year, the colony saw the value in protecting Fryar's separate room as a historical artifact.

Paul Larson of Mountain Lake PBS has produced a very thoughtful segment for the Mountain Lake Journal "Spotlight" special:  Fulton Fryar's Closet. 

From PBS:

"This special explores the reasons for the unequal treatment, even in a northern state, and the efforts to preserve Fryar’s sleeping quarters when the old building was about to be destroyed. Viewers will learn what role architectural experts, museum curators and concerned citizens are playing to make sure Fulton Fryar’s story will now be better known instead of completely forgotten.

For this program, Larson interviewed Artistic Director Darren Woods of Seagle Music Colony, Executive Director David Kahn of the Adirondack Experience, Executive Director Steven Engelhart of Adirondack Architectural Heritage, and Fulton Fryar himself".

You can read more of this fascinating story in a piece from the Colony's Artists Director Darren Wood, in our Music and Arts section, by clicking here.