140 years ago - 1884

Icemen begin to think that this season is almost a total failure for them.

John Cooper of Bethel was engaged in plowing on his farm on Monday. There was no frost in the ground.

Our church members are not all “fine weather birds.” Despite the inclemency of the weather, our houses of worship were unusually well filled last Sabbath.

Mr. Burr, the present efficient principal of our academy, deserves high encomiums for the satisfactory manner in which he conducts that institution.

A resident of Pike Pond (Kenoza Lake) informs us that one of L. Appley’s hired men dug four bushels of potatoes out of the ground on the Robert Moulthrop’s farm recently. These were in good state of preservation.

Small building lots near the Westfield (Roscoe) Depot are selling at fancy prices.

130 years ago - 1894

Another meeting was held at the Mansion House Monday night to complete arrangements to provide fire protection for this village. A building committee composed of Conrad Metzger, Charles Scheidell, and Oliver Hofer was appointed to look after the building of an engine house 16 x 30 feet, the material for which is estimated to cost $75. Mr. Scheidell has generously donated a lot for the building. Volunteer labor will do the work.

The Ulrich farm, situated about a mile from this village, which was the scene of one of the bloodiest murders in Sullivan County, by which Mrs. Ursula Ulrich, an aged lady, was fatally shot down at her door by that desperado, Jack Allen, a former sailor, was sold to Casper Eggler of Swiss Hill recently.

The Jeffersonville Creamery paid for the month of December from $1.16 to $1.84 per hundred pounds for milk. The creamery is now churning about 8 pounds of butter every other day.

James F. Wood, a wealthy barrel manufacturer of Philadelphia and owner of Lakewood Farm near Briscoe, a summer boarder retreat, would fit the place up for the raising of Shetland ponies, besides making it a huntsmen and fishermen’s paradise.

Beginning Monday night, January 22, Allen’s New York Theatre Company will plan a one week’s engagement at Eagle Hall, giving a change of program each night. The first play presented will be “The Exile of Erin.” Prices children, 15¢; adults 25¢; reserved seats 35¢.

120 years ago - 1904

A daughter was born recently to George Gossweyler and wife of Callicoon.

It is said that two detectives of the anti-salon league were in Liberty the other day.

Mrs. Louise Weissman, widow of Peter Weissman Sr. of Callicoon, died of a stroke January 15 at the old homestead, aged 68.

Mrs. Louise Knell Haase and Frederick M. Pansing Sr., of Callicoon, were married December 31. Martin Strum was best man and Miss Carrie Knell was bridesmaid. Among those present were the bride’s brother, William Knell, and wife of Brooklyn.

Frank Dillmuth of Jeffersonville has sold his daily stage route from here to William J. Durr of this place. Included in the sale is also the summer daily mail route from here to Kenoza Lake. The sale price we are told is $385.

F.A. Bossert of Cochecton is hauling chestnut posts for Fred Bietz, to replace the fence around Union Park, carried away by the floods. (Union Park was on the property of the Jefferson Hotel, Jeffersonville.)

A bill introduced in the United States Senate recently, if passed, will give $12 a month to every soldier who served 90 days or more in the Union Army during the Civil War, and who has attained the age of 62 years.

Mrs. Catherine Bossert died at her home in Cochecton January 4.

Polly J., wife of Joseph Lewis of White Sulphur Springs, died on January 15, aged 55 years.

William Knack and his wife of Beechwoods lost two of their six children within a couple days last week. Sadie, a five-year-old girl, died of meningitis Tuesday and was buried at North Branch. On Thursday, Walter, nine years of age, died of exhaustion, resulting from grippe.

A meeting of a number of the old band members was held at the Mansion House Friday night for the purpose of reorganizing the Jeffersonville Band. The new band will be composed of ten to twelve members.

The condition of E.A. Brand continues to improve slowly. A second trained nurse has been called in attendance.

110 years ago - 1914

The First National Bank of Jeffersonville opened for business Monday, January 5, with $19,433.84 of its capital stock of $25,000 paid in. During the first six days of business the bank received in deposits over $20,000.

The 25th anniversary of the Ladies Aid Society of the Presbyterian Church of Jeffersonville will be observed with an anniversary service next Sunday morning. Rev. L. William Hone of the Roscoe Presbyterian Church will preach the sermon.

The icy traveling the past week or so has been rather dangerous for automobiles.

On the way in from Liberty Monday evening Fred Duttweiler’s Buick car slid on the ice coming down the hill at Mrs. Margaret Smith’s the other side of Youngsville, and hit the road fender on the lower side and then slowly moved down the embankment. Mrs. Emma C. Brand, the only passenger in the car besides Mr. Duttweiler, was so shocked from fright that she remained at Mrs. Smith’s for the night.

Peter Mathern and Henry Chellis have cornered the local ice market by buying the winter’s crop on Bollenbach’s mill pond, where nearly all of our people have been getting their supply. The ice is now about ten inches thick.

People who had occasion to poke their heads out of doors during the past few days no longer doubt that it is winter. Mercury has been playing around between 10 and 15 below zero.

Thomas Stalker of Hurd was compelled to give up teaching the Birch Ridge School last November on account of an attack of appendicitis. This was not the first attack and he was operated on at Scranton January 3rd, and is recovering nicely.

Adam Homer, a former resident of Youngsville, died at his home in Livingston Manor, January 9th on his 59th birthday. Mr. Homer was the son of the late Henry Homer, who for many years conducted Homer’s Hotel in Youngsville. He was married to the former Linda Krueger of Youngsville.

Anna Eliza Cochrane, wife of David B. Layton, died at her home in Ithaca, January 6th, aged 64 years. She was a daughter of James Cochrane who lived on the farm in Beechwoods, now owned by Charles Schaefer.

100 years ago - 1924

Many people throughout Sullivan and adjoining counties who took stock in the Commonwealth Hotel Corporation of New York, which promises to erect the largest  hotel in the world, are now bidding their money a final farewell for the state authorities have got after the corporation, the managers of which, to all appearances, have been pulling a bold stock-jobbing scheme for their own benefit.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Bell, proprietors of the Hancock House, have purchased for $35,000 the Delaware Inn at that place, and will operate both hotels. Delaware Inn was built in  1889 by contractor John Schulte of Cochecton for the late John Shanley, formerly of Jeffersonville. Mr. Shanley died December 12, 1900, and his widow (formerly Miss Collins of Jeffersonville) and children ran the hotel until April 1904 when it was sold to the late George W. Jones. Contractor Shulte had a son, Frank, who became a star professional baseball player with the Chicago Bulls of the National League.

Joseph Hemmer, aged 70 years, died at his home last Saturday. Mr. Hemmer was a man held in high esteem by his neighbors and acquaintances. For many years he served the Town of Callicoon as assessor and always tried to do the fair thing.

Fraternal installations — Friday night Otto W. Meyer was installed Master of Callicoon Lodge of Free Masons. Thursday night, Mrs. H.C. VanKeuren was installed Matron of Lincoln Chapter, O.E.S.

The funeral of Henry Schaefer who died Thursday morning after a week’s illness from complications, was held from his late home on East Main Street Sunday afternoon. The attendance was very large and there was an overflowing gathering at the Presbyterian Church. He was a son of John Philip Schaefer, who settled in the Beechwoods, where Henry was born. He was married to Christina Knack of the Beechwoods and they settled on the Wormuth farm. Mrs. Schaefer died January 12, 1913. Mr. Schaefer was one of the good natured brand of people and consequently his home life and life in the community was one of unbroken peace and happiness.

George Abplanalp, aged 47, died at his home on East Hill yesterday morning.

90 years ago - 1934

James M. Kelly of Monticello, county Democratic Chairman, has been appointed deputy secretary of state at Albany and will be in the licensing department.

Thomas Washington Hadden, aged 74, died at his home a mile and a half east of Fosterdale on January 11.

Fred Miller was installed Master of Callicoon Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons Friday night.

Taxpayers within the incorporated Village of Jeffersonville will pay a rate of $7.896 on each $1000 valuation this year, which is a little less than last year. In the Town of Callicoon outside of the village the tax rate is $10.65 on $1000 valuation, not including the special taxes, such as fire, light and water district taxes.

James Mallaci of Youngsville left January 6 for a two month’s trip to his native Italy.

80 years ago - 1944

Jack Behnken, 21, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Behnken (Ann Scheidell) of Brooklyn, and a frequent visitor in Jeffersonville, enlisted in the Marines in November and is now on the West Coast. His younger brother, Howard, 18, who went into the service last July, is now taking army college training.

Ruth Weissmann has started in the employ of Deckelman & Schadt, attorneys at Jeffersonville.

Mrs. Emma Cook Chase, one of the best-known women in Sullivan County, who had served 25 years as district superintendent of schools in the third district of Sullivan County, died early Friday evening in Middletown.  She was 74 years of age. Born in the township of Oneonta, she came to Monticello in 1911 after passing the examination for the position of district superintendent with a high mark of 96, the second highest in the state.

Carl W. Oestrich this week moved a truck load of equipment into the Deighton building in Callicoon, in preparation of starting a tire recapping establishment.

Louis Gagliardi has sold his North Branch Inn to Fred Schlichting of New York City, who will take possession immediately. Mr. Gagliardi has operated the hotel and bowling alleys since 1922.

70 years ago - 1954

The recently organized Duso Kennel Club has been accepted by the American Kennel Club and will now be allowed to hold sanction matches, according to Mrs. Louise Leonard of White Lake, club secretary.

Dr. Isadore Yasgur, local veterinarian, has completed a modern hospital for animals here in Jeffersonville. It is considered the most modern and extensive one in the county.

John Catafalano, 28, awaiting an appeal of a robbery conviction in Sullivan last summer, was indicted by the New York County Grand Jury. He was accused of growing marijuana plants in a box in his home.

Supreme Court Justice William Deckelman was re-elected president of The First National Bank in Jeffersonville.

Fred Miller was elected president of the Jeff-Tel. Inc., at its annual meeting. Other officers elected for a term of one year were: Herbert W. Grishaber, vice-president, and Joseph Abel, secretary-treasurer.

Felix Hoffman is the newly elected president of the Delaware Republican Club.

The merchandise club winner this week at Amber’s was Mrs. Helen Fisk of Jeffersonville.

Mary Tonjes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Alvin Tonjes, celebrates her first birthday this week.

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Huggler of Briscoe became parents of a son, Leonard Burton, on January 5th at the Maimonides Hospital.

60 years ago - 1964

Several from here attended installation of officers at Delaware Lodge No. 561, F.&A.M., Callicoon. Paul Hermann of that village was installed Master.

Valleau C. Curtis, president of First National Bank in Callicoon, Earl O. Barnes, vice-president and Fred N. Hendrix, vice-president of the First National Bank in Narrowsburg, have announced that their two Boards of Directors have taken action leading toward consolidation of the two institutions and will now seek the approval of the Comptroller of the Currency and the two groups of stockholders.

Eugene Doetsch, a well-known Jeffersonville farmer, is in the Callicoon Hospital with a fractured leg and multiple bruises as the result of an accident which occurred Monday. Because of the severe snowstorm (which was at its peak at the time) they were unable to bring the ambulance to the barn and a make-shift stretcher was improvised. He was then carried down to the ambulance and taken to the Callicoon Hospital.

Schools were closed and traffic dwindled down to the essential as Jeffersonville was blanketed with thirteen inches of snow and gale winds hampered snow removal operations. A Jeffersonville-Youngsville Central School bus was stalled on the Beechwoods road between Vincent Connolly’s and Theodore  Kutschera’s with 20 students aboard. Because no one was home in either place, the driver, Lester Gute, walked approximately 12 miles through the severe storm to the Tonjes’ home for help.

William Hawerkamp, 66, retired employee of the New York State Gas & Electric Co., died at his home in Narrowsburg on January 7th.

Katherine Simon, 88, of Callicoon, died Saturday at the Liberty-Loomis Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Callicoon.

The Presbyterian Congregation will hold a family dinner prepared by the men of the church in honor of the Women’s Association on Saturday evening who will be celebrating their 75th anniversary as an organization. Present officers are Mrs. Gertrude Schaefer, president; Mrs. Mildred Burlingame, vice-president; Mrs. Gladys Duttweiler, secretary, and Mrs. Marion Moran, treasurer.

50 years ago - 1974

A village of Woodridge landmark, The Kentucky Club, which has provided food, drink, and entertainment to the public for decades, was left a gutted ruin in the county’s first major fire of 1974 which took place on January 4, during near-zero weather. Also destroyed were a grocery store, a plumbing store and a refrigerator store, together with apartments on the second floor housing 19 persons.

Donald and Brenda Mootz of Florida are the parents of an 8 lb. 4 oz. baby girl, born January 9. She is the first grandchild for Mr. and Mrs. Everett Hempstead of Lake Como, Pa., and Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Mootz of Jeffersonville. 

Tom and Joanne Mall of Jeffersonville became parents of a boy on Sunday.

40 years ago - 1984

The first major snowstorm of 1984 came on Tuesday making it necessary for five school districts in the county to close including J-YCS, Delaware Valley, Fallsburg, Livingston Manor and Tri-Valley and several others reported 1 and 2 hour delays.

A new $1.75 million addition to the Sullivan County Jail – to supply 36 new cells and 35 more beds – was approved Wednesday by the New York State Commission of Corrections. A new fourth floor will span the existing building and will house 35 dormitory beds. Also included in the plans are general construction, plumbing, heating and ventilation, electric and detention equipment. The bid opening will be March 20.

A representation of various veterans groups in Sullivan County met on Tuesday to dedicate a veterans’ monument at the Veterans Memorial Park in Monticello. It had been moved from deHoyos Park for better public appreciation.

George Dudley, former director of the Sullivan County Infirmary, retired in December ending a long career as a hospital administrator.

Announcement has been made by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Winski of Kenoza Lake of the engagement of their daughter, Alicia, to Edward W. Skelly Jr., son of Elaine Skelly and Edward Skelly of Callicoon Center. A May wedding is planned . . . A July wedding is planned for Nancy Elin Skinner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Skinner Jr. of Liberty, and Charles Martin Gabriel, son of Martin Gabriel of Middletown and Mrs. Joan Gabriel of Cochecton.

After a 11-day wait, the Delaware Valley Central School cheerleaders have learned that they placed 14th in their category at the recent National Cheerleaders Association competitions held in Dallas, Tex. There were 38 competitors in their class.

30 years ago - 1994

Although the cost differential between leasing and purchasing buildings for the Sullivan County BOCES campus is small, one must consider the “value added” angle of owning property. Kevin Colpoys, Superintendent for Sullivan County BOCES, left members of the Delaware Valley Central School Board of Education with that pitch as he appeared before them Monday to seek their endorsement for the estimated $13 million building and buying project. Colpoys is exactly halfway through his visits to all 10 school districts in the county to personally explain the desire of the BOCES Board to move ahead with an upgrade of facilities and eliminate its costly leasing program for several buildings.

An exhibit of abstract paintings by Elise Andkjar Freda of Kenoza Lake will be on display at the Delaware Arts Center Gallery in Narrowsburg from January 22 to February 11. 

Deborah Ann Minckler, daughter of Gerald and Marge Minckler, and Alan Arnold, son of Frank and Audrey Alberti, all of Long Eddy, are engaged to be married. A Fall 1994 wedding is planned.

Bob Barrett of Smallwood and Yonkers finished 1993 with 17 gold, two silver and two bronze medals in his specialty, walking. The 60-year-old senior athlete meets the United States Masters All-American standard of excellence.

Peter Glantzis of Roscoe has been appointed to the West Point Military Academy by Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-26). He is the son of George and Kathryn Glantzis.

20 Years Ago - 2004

Ninety years and 10 branches later, the First National Bank of Jeffersonville is still a hometown bank. It started as a small savings and loan in Jeffersonville (thus its name) under the direction of seven local businessmen – Valentine Scheidell, William Vorhees, Otto Meyer, Charles Schmidt, William Heinle, Grover DeLap, H.V. Krenrich and Robert McGinn.

Town of Fallsburg Police reported on Friday that around 3 a.m. that morning, Sergeant Jack DeGraw responded to a house fire at a home on Lincoln Road in South Fallsburg and discovered a woman inside. She refused to leave the burning structure despite pleas from the police officer. Degraw had to leave the house himself due to the smoky conditions, but then he re-entered and found the woman collapsed in her living room. With the assistance of a neighbor, Tyrone Finn, Degraw carried the woman out of the house. She was admitted to the hospital in Harris. The investigation of the fire is continuing.

James J. Hanson, a lifelong resident of Yulan, has accepted a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Hanson graduated from Eldred Central High School in 1999 and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Wilkes University in May 2003. He is the son of James and Doreen Hanson of Yulan.

The ice rink at the Liberty Elementary School sponsored by the Liberty Rotary Club and the A.L.I.V.E. Group is now open for the season. The town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department will be holding supervised skating three times a week.

10 Years Ago - 2014

Jennifer Grossman, speaking before some 60 people at the Tusten Town Board meeting last Tuesday, said that locally-based farms called HUBs are springing up throughout the east coast offering agricultural and meat products that are the “wave of the future.” The vice-president of the Solution Project said her group believes that the empty Narrowsburg school would be ideal for a meat aging plant that will provide food locally and to New York City, as well as the eastern seaboard.

Legislature Chairman Scott Samuelson has announced who will lead and sit on various committees for the next two years. The seats are highly-sought by legislators, as the positions afford them greater influence on the legislative process in areas of particular interest.

The George L. Cooke Elementary School held its Second Spirit Day. This event was called “Crazy Sock Day.” Students were asked to bring in socks, hats, gloves, or scarves to donate to a local homeless shelter. Tons of generous donations poured in, and K-2 students met in the gymnasium to have a “sock hop” and presented “Sullivan County Safe Passage” representative Melissa Corigliano with several totes of warm and needed items.