When the mom-and-pop shops of yesteryear are torn down, the social history of our well-loved city becomes simply a story – one that local native and author Carol Godette has been chronicling in Simply Saratoga magazine for the past eight years. 

Now, these stories of transformation are the basis of her new book, On This Spot: Saratoga Springs (The Troy Book Makers, 2024) a memoir filled with nostalgia, fascinating interviews, and historical research that illuminates the special place these establishments hold in people’s hearts. 

“This is a nod to the past. The community is what it is, and the city (culturally and economically vibrant) because of all the hardworking mom-and-pop businesses and the challenges they faced. This is a tribute to them,” she said. 

A celebration of place and the resilient spirit of its people, On This Spot includes histories of once beloved local landmarks including Pepper’s Market at 173 Lake Avenue, which operated continuously as a meat market for nearly a century before the building was finally demolished during the pandemic; and the love story of Bernie and Caroline Serotta, proprietors of Farmer’s Hardware, a one-of-a-kind department store specializing in art supplies and gifts; among others. 

City sites with the most sentimental value to Carol appear in fun, colorful cover art designed by daughter-in-law, illustrator Dominika Godette. In addition to its winding narrative, On This Spot also features enlightening interior photos from The George S. Bolster Collection, contributions from Craig Wilson, former columnist for The Saratogian, and a letter Carol wrote to her 18-year-old self, regarding the passage of time. 

“We are living tomorrow’s history, today,” she said. 

Carol Godette is a former 5th grade teacher who retired from the Saratoga Springs City School District after 31 years. She is also the co-owner of Saratoga’s Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop. Carol was the 2022 Saratoga County History Award recipient. She currently serves on the board of the 

Saratoga County History Center and the SoBro Conservancy, and is an active Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation volunteer. 

On This Spot: Saratoga Springs is available at Northshire Bookstore and on Amazon.