Central New Yorkers are not strangers to the name Alex Haley. We are also no strangers to his climb to fame as well.  He is perhaps best known as the author of the 1976 book "Roots: The Saga of an American Family."  Did you know he started to write this classic novel when he lived in Clinton, New York?

Of course many know of the ABC television miniseries of the same name, "Roots."  It  aired originally in 1977 to a record-breaking audience of 130 million viewers. Did you know he started work on this American classic right here in Central New York?

Haley was briefly a "writer in residence" at Hamilton College in Clinton. He lived in whats currently the WFRG transmitter site. This is where WIBX, Lite 98.7, 96.1 The Eagle, and Big Frog 104 broadcast. While living in this apartment, he began working on the classic. He did not just stay in Clinton either, he ventured off to Rome often and was a regular at  "The Savoy."  According to the restaurant, he would sometimes pass the time listening to the various piano players in house. Today, there is a special table in honor of Haley, with a painting of Haley right above it.

Take a look at this exclusive look inside the home in Clinton that Haley called home at the beginning of writing "Roots."


BONUS VIDEO- TOUR WOODHAVEN PARK

 

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