My name is Mickey Webb and was raised in Saratoga Springs. I lived on North Circular Street and one of my neighbors was an actor by the name of Monte Woolley. I attended #3 school which happened to be located in my backyard. In 1951 while attending St. Peter’s Academy I had a shoeshine stand near where the Adirondack Trust Company is located.
After a couple years as a shoeshine boy, I took a job as a bell hop at the Rip Van Dam Hotel. I continued working there through high school and graduated in 1959. My family was one of the families displaced by the January 1957 broadway fire. This was the same evening that my former neighbor, Officer Pettit passed away in the line of duty. Upon graduation, I attended SUNY Plattsburgh. After two years, I returned to Saratoga and became a partner in the the Rip Van Dam Bar located in the hotel. After two years I married my wife Ione and returned to SUNY Plattsburgh to finish my degree. I graduated in 1963 and was offered and accepted a job teaching 6th grade at Caroline Street School. I remained at Caroline Street for many years and then moved into an administrative role serving as Assistant Principal at Caroline Street and then school #4. Eventually I became Principal at the Primary Center. The Primary Center was located where the Saratoga Springs High School is now located . I was responsible for The Primary Center, School #4, and the Old Geyser two-room school. In 1977 I was selected as the new Principal of the brand new Geyser Road School.
I remained at Geyser Road School until my retirement in 1997.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I grew up with three brothers who each fought in WW2. They all returned home safely. Two of my brothers, Chuck and Cliff returned from the war well-decorated. I had one sister Helen. My parents names were Marguerite and Clifford. I was married in 1961 to my wife of 62 years, Ione, also known as Nonie. I have two children. My son Michael, his wife Chrissy and my daughter Michelle and her husband Wayne. I have three wonderful grandchildren, Haley, Trey and Michael.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As a Principal it was a joy to work with the children, dedicated staff and parents . I am currently serving as Town Supervisor for the small town we retired to in Saranac Lake. In addition to serving as Town Supervisor, I was also appointed to serve on the OTB Board in 1997. In 2003 I was elected to serve as Chairman of the OTB Board of Directors. I continue to serve in this role to date .
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I truly enjoy Pennell’s Restaurant as well as Taverna Novo.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived and worked in Saratoga for excess of 40 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
As a bell hop I met Jack Dempsey. I also had the honor to get to know Mary Lou Whitney, and rented our home to the great trainer, Woody Stephens
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My wife and I truly enjoy our trips to Florida.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite TV show was Mash and my favorite movie is the Grinch.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice is to work hard and work with people.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
My bucket list is complete. I have a wonderful family and have had a great life . Over the years I have been fortunate to receive many cards and letters from prior students. It means a lot to know that I was able to positively impact their lives in some small way.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I enjoy listening to Glen Miller.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Spending time at the Saratoga Race Track with my family and seeing so many friends from over the years.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
John Signor
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Saratoga Race Track
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Living my life in the best way possible.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a secret recipe for a great steak seasoning.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Jamaica for my granddaughter’s wedding.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite holiday is Christmas. My favorite single day is July 4th.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A perfect day on the lake.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I have always been inspired by Jack Kennedy.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Cedar and pine are couple of my favorite smells .
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Three words that make my house a home are family, love, and laughs.
