A documentary newsletter & podcast about upstate New York
♦ ♦ ♦
Thank you for subscribing!

Welcome to the Jiffy.
Here's what you just signed up for.

You've just stepped into my ongoing project where I share stories about life in upstate New York – told through short documentaries, reported essays, photography, audio, and the occasional Kinderhook Blob sighting.

I'm James. I'm a documentary journalist based in the Hudson Valley, and I'm really glad you're here.

Start Here 3 issues worth your time
01
History · Sport
Out In Left Field In 1864

A season-ender double-header vintage base ball game in Kingston.

02
People · Religion
The 'True Legend' Of Ann Lee

Separating life from myth about the original Shaker Mother.

03
Place · Craft
Shaking The Hand Of Time

Chatham's timekeeper takes us up the 1872 clock tower.

Upgrade to a Paid Membership

Here's how you can support this work

The Jiffy is fully independent – no billionaires here. Readers fund this work through paid memberships and make it possible for me to keep sharing stories about our community (instead of chasing algorithms).

If you'd like to support slow content and get a few perks along the way, here's how:

Grab 'N Go
$5/mo
or $50/year
  • Full archive access
  • Travel guides for jaunting
  • Good karma
J'Fay Supreme
$200/yr
Annual only
  • Everything above
  • Founding supporter status
  • Extremely good karma
Become a Supporter →
Three quick questions.

This 90-second survey will help me make The Jiffy a newsletter you'll enjoy reading each week.

Take the Survey →