150 Years Ago -  1873

Hunters’ hounds are receiving a thorough training preparatory of next winter’s hunt. This season will prove to be an unbearable one for some bears.

Henry Winters of Cochecton has built a commodious barn on his premises.

The apple crop, though not a profitable one within the limits of our county, amply meets the demand. They are having a “pressing” time over at Scheidells.

The season of equinoctial storms, manifested itself in a very boisterous manner last week.

John Beck Jr. has taken up his residence at the house formerly occupied by Fred Faubel, near Muller’s tinsmith shop.

To the credit of our Callicoon Depot friends, let it be said that their humane efforts in aiding Manly Beach, who so unfortunately lost his right arm, resulted in a successful manner. $110 was realized, which sum could not have received a better investment.

The N.Y.O. & Midland Railway has collapsed. Abram S. Hewitt has been appointed receiver of the Midland effects. The panic which overwhelmed Wall Street on Thursday last, proved a financial disaster to the company.

140 Years Ago - 1883

Potatoes way down.

Apples high and looking up.

William Kohler of Swiss Hill was married to Kate Thony of Youngsville at the Presbyterian Church October 9th.

Philip Knack and Lena Kimmes, both of Fremont, were married at the residence of J.C. Mall, Esq., and by him on October 7th.

At DeBruce, buckwheat is about one-third of a crop, oats good, potatoes never better, and corn a complete failure.

Krenrich Co. is averaging one car load of produce per day. Who beats that?

Owing to the unsatisfactory state of the paper trade and our present overcrowded stock of straw, we will not receive any straw at any price at our mill until after the first of November next. H. Gardner & Co., Hortonville.

130 Years Ago - 1893

Chestnuts are not very plentiful and worth $15 a bushel.

Diphtheria has again made its presence felt in North Branch. Ralph Goodman, the 19-year-old son of L. Goodman, died on Thursday, October 5, with the disease. Diphtheria has also broken out in the Hartman family.

Many of the residents of the village of Jeffersonville have availed themselves of the opportunity to fill up mud holes, repair sidewalks and make other improvements about their premises with the earth excavated from Beck’s new basement.

Philip Hembdt of the Halfway House, Kenoza Lake, is having the lodge hall opposite the hotel moved up the street to where the old race track was. Oliver Hofer is engineering the job. The hall, in its former location, obstructed the view from the hotel piazzas.

An important transaction in realty was completed last week when Mrs. A.F. Wenzel of Callicoon sold to Peter Will the farm and mills so long operated by her husband, the Hon. A.E. Wenzel.

Apples are selling at ninety cents a barrel at Mongaup Valley.

Miss Edith, daughter of Charles Stanton of Liberty, some years ago proprietor of the Jeffersonville House, was united in marriage with Benjamin VanSickle of Middletown at Newburgh on Sunday, October 8.

120 Years Ago - 1903

Continued rain for two days caused the greatest floods last Friday ever seen by the inhabitants of Jeffersonville. The great volume of water which passed along the courses of the two creeks in this village have never been before equaled. This amount of water in the early Spring, together with the usual quantities of ice, would sweep destruction through here and cause inestimable loss. But the damage Friday was comparatively light.

“Uncle Ben” Edwards of East Hill has, through his attorney, F.S. Anderson, brought an action in Supreme Court to set aside a deed for the farm on East Hill given by him and his wife a year ago last spring to Charles Fowler and wife, who have made their home with the Edwardses and worked the  place for many years.

A.C. Wilcox and Co. of New York, who recently opened a branch bank in Jeffersonville, contemplate opening branch-es also at Roscoe, Livingston Manor and other places.

110 Years Ago - 1913

Eddie Homer is building a barn and garage on his Main Street property.

Edward F. Homer is building a concert garage on his premises on Delaware Avenue.

There will be no preaching services in the Presbyterian Church for a couple of weeks as Pastor Stadelman of Jeffersonville is taking a vacation.

A very happy wedding took place at the home of Mrs. Mary Schleiermacher in Callicoon Center, October 12, when her daughter, Wilhelmina Catherine, was united in marriage with Joseph Francis Huff of Fremont Center by Rev. J. E. Straub.

Fred A Homer, formerly of Callicoon, and Miss Ida May Lord of Lordville, were married at the home of the bride’s mother, October 8.

Foot Dance — The Youngs-ville Frauen Verein will hold a Foot Dance at Durr’s Hall on Saturday evening, October 25. (ADV).

Now that the World’s Series is over, it would not be amiss to say a word about clothing. Whether a follower of the Giants or the Athletics, or merely a well dressed sensible man, come here and you are sure to win. Rozofsky Bros. Sam Shapiro, manager of Jeffersonville Store.

100 Years Ago - 1923

William H. Knemm, prominent citizen who has been a victim of apoplexy for the past 78 years, died at his home, Monday, aged 79 years.

A Paige touring car, owned by Miss Kate Holpp of Tennanah Lake and driven by her brother, Fred, was badly smashed in a collision which occurred at Roscoe, Wednesday afternoon with a Larabee truck.

The deal for the sale of the sawmill and other property of Elmer C. Knack and Co. at Callicoon Center to Louis Miller of the Bronx appears to have fallen through owing to the intended buyer failing to make good on the contract.

Henry Luckey is taking a vacation from work in Kohler’s Mill on account of an injury to his right hand.

 The following were elected directors of the Jeff Athletic Club: William C. Fuhrer, Harvey W. Myers, Wm. Deckelman, Albert Paolucci, Harold Stephenson, Fred W. Schadt and William Lieb.

On Saturday evening, September 20, Inez, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zaborik of Roscoe, became the bride of Frederick J. Fassberger of New York at the home of the bride’s parents. Rev. W.H. Niles officiated.

Fred Miller died at the home of his brother, Philip, on Spring Brook, near Roscoe, October 2, at the age of 52.

William Knell has been chosen president of the Callicoon Fish and Game Club at Masonic Hall.

90 Years Ago - 1933

John Myers, native of Jeffersonville, died at his home near White Lake, October 5, at the age of 80 years.

Frank Andrew Hemmer, aged 67, died at his home in Schuylkill Haven, Pa, on Sunday, October 7.

Mrs. Augusta Polster, aged 71, died at her home in Beechwoods  Sunday, October 8.

Mr. and Mrs. Val Keim were pleasantly surprised by friends and relatives on October 7, their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

William P. Abplanalp of Youngsville has declined the Democratic nomination for collector in the town of Callicoon, and the committee on vacancies has placed on the ticket the name of Charles Danzer of Youngsville. Mr. Danzer is the brother-in-law of Fred J. Weiss, Republican nominee for collector.

Howard Beeches of Monticello was again chosen chairman of the Republican county committee at the meeting last week.

At the annual meeting of the Cherokee Preserve Club in the town of Bethel, the other night, officers were re-elected as follows: President Fred N. Hendrix, Narrowsburg; Vice President Ernest J. Hoos, Liberty; Treasurer George H. Raum, Kenoza Lake; Secretary Charles F. Bergner, Callicoon; directors, H.C. Van Keuren, Narrowsburg, Wm. C. Kabat, Fosterdale and Maurice A. Borden of Liberty.

80 Years Ago - 1943

The State Historical Association announced that the Sullivan County Record has been awarded the first prize in the annual newspaper contest conducted by the association for the best series of articles published in state, county and local history in any weekly in the state. The prize winning articles were written by Charles S. Hick, former superintendent of schools, who offered a broad panorama of the development of the Town of Callicoon. His material was particularly rich in yarns of John Darling, the mythical hero of New York’s folklore.

Mrs. Anna Nearing, widow of Alvin Nearing, died at the home of her sister, Mrs. George Keesler of Cochecton Center last week.

Mrs. Emma J. Fayerweather of Briscoe, widow of Calvin J. Fayerweather, died at Middletown October 7.

The Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal) of Liberty will celebrate its 50th anniversary on October 25.

70 Years Ago - 1953

Mrs. Wm. F. Mauer, a patient at the Liberty-Loomis Hospital, and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 11.

Miss Gloria Mueller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Mueller of Kenoza Lake, became the bride of William Ackermann of Ferndale Saturday at St. George’s Church, Jeffersonville.

Ralph Schiavone, Jeff Central School baseball star who plays the same position as Pee Wee Reese, Dodger shortstop, and who was injured in a hunting accident September 15, received a message from Reese, his hero. The message followed a personal visit Saturday by Reese and Joe Collins, Yankee first baseman.

Charles S. Hick, editor of the Record, is improving rapidly at the Liberty-Loomis Hospital. We look for his return home soon.

The Lions Club and PTA, with the help of the American Legion and VFW, are planning a night of fun and frolic for Halloween Eve.

Arthur N. Meyers, candidate for County Clerk, is rooted in Sullivan County for 100 years. It was in 1853 that his grandparents and his father, then a young boy, came from southern Germany, where they, with others, differed politically with the government. They settled in Obernburg, in the Town of Fremont. Mr. Meyer’s grandfather was a stone mason and many of the structures he built remain intact today.

60 Years Ago - 1963

A raging fire early Saturday morning, October 5, caused severe damage in the factory of Callicoon Dress, Inc., but was quickly and efficiently contained by the Callicoon Fire Department.

The Commission on Institutions of Higher Learning of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools recently announced that the accreditation of St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary and Junior College had been reaffirmed.

Miss Anita Marie Schick of Obernburg and Douglas D. Robertson of White Plains, who were married on Saturday, October 5, at St. Mary’s Church in Obernburg, were attended by eight of their sisters and brothers.

Enrollment at the Sullivan County Community College, after two weeks of operation, has reached just under the 200 mark, according to figures released by the president, Dr. Richard K. Green-field.

50 Years Ago - 1973

Sullivan County Community College will be holding an open house on October 13 and all county residents are cordially invited to visit the new campus at Loch Sheldrake.

Miss Kathryn Rasulo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rasulo of Long Eddy, became the bride of Richard Widmann, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Widmann of Callicoon, at St. Patrick’s Church, Long Eddy, on August 4.

Frank Schick of Obernburg, service manager of Steinhauser’s Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc., Callicoon Center, has been awarded a trip to San Diego, Calif. He has been employed by Steinhauser’s 34 years.

Mr. and Mrs. James O’Toole of Monticello celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on October 3.

Daniel Darder, a graduate of Delaware Valley Central School, who furthered his education at Cortland, has returned to DVC as a member of the faculty to teach mathematics.

40 Years Ago - 1983

Angela Swartwood of Forestburgh, her son Richard, and a next door neighbor, Cheryl Sheerer, found more than thirty balloons in the Swartwood backyard last week. According to a note attached, the balloons were let loose at Beaver Stadium at the State University of Pennsylvania on October 8 as part of a March of Dimes fundraising promotion.

The Catskill Mountain Business and Professional Women’s Club will honor Joan Howard as their 1983 Woman of the Year at a dinner to be held at King’s in Livingston Manor. Miss Howard was chosen on her outstanding achievements in the field of employment and training. Since she began her tenure in Sullivan County, she has helped over 7,000 individuals enter or improve their standing in the work force.

Dr. William J. Perkins, with more than 55 years of practice as a “country doctor” has retired as of September 12 from “working 16 hours a day.” He was born in Carbondale, Pa., in 1906 and graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1928. That same year, he set up an office in Honesdale, Pa., and has practiced in the local area ever since.

The Octoberfest held in Narrowsburg last Saturday and Sunday drew a crowd of more than 5,000 persons. Over 50 exhibitors displaying arts and crafts, gifts and souvenirs, and a number of food and beverage concessions helped round out the popular celebration.

Receding waters on Swinging Bridge Reservoir, dropped nearly 40 vertical feet to make repairs, have become a scavenger’s dream. Perhaps the most startling of discoveries along the former farm land and Plank Road has been that of an airplane. Undersheriff Ralph Balbirer said the owner of the plane is known and is now being contacted. Andy Schapp of upstate New York, near Plattsburgh, crashed in 1968 but was able to swim ashore. The discovery was made by Jack McCormack and his son of Monticello while they were fishing on the lake.

Kathy Ann Brockner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allan Brockner of North Branch became the bride of Patrick Lawrence Mason at the First Lutheran Church in Jeffersonville on  September  10. They will live in Mohawk... Meigan Randall Matteson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Richard Mitteer of Hurleyville, and Arden Franklin Dean of Neversink were married on August 6 at an outdoor wedding. They will live in Neversink where he is a partner in Dean Construction and Home Improvements...Karen Hoog-h-uis became the bride of Franklyn Laufersweiler, son of Ellen and Franklin Laufersweiler of White Lake, at a ceremony performed at St. Peter’s Church in Monticello on August 20.

30 Years Ago - 1993

The Sullivan County Town of Mamakating is planning to celebrate its 250th birthday as a town on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Town Park in Bloomingburg. According to Town Historian Virdanna Lawrence of Wurtsboro, the then-Colony of New York created three precincts in southern Ulster County on December 17, 1743, one of which was Mame Kating. The other two were Wallkill and Shawangonough. Included in the celebration will be a performance by the West Point Jazz Knights band, demonstrations of apple cider and ice cream making, the Honky and Tonk Stompers, sack and stilt races for the kids, a 250th birthday cake and more.

Carrie Bergner, Shannon Kip, Kate Landau and Kim Priebe, seniors at the Tri-Valley Central School in Grahamsville, have all been named commended students in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Jill Suzanne Fisher of Albany, daughter of Carlyle Fisher of Liberty and Lillian Stewart of Callicoon, became the bride of William Joseph Petrocci of Albany at a ceremony performed September 4 at St. Joseph’s Church in Camillus. They will live in Albany.

Four teams are tied for fourth place in the Western Sullivan Girls Soccer League. Tri-Valley and Livingston Manor have played one game less  because of their October 5 game being canceled. Tri-Valley is leading the pack with a 6-0 record. Holding second place with a 4-3 record at the present time are Liberty, Delaware Valley, Jeffersonville-Youngsville and Eldred.

Former Bethel Supervisor George Neuhaus of Horseshoe Lake died Friday, October 8, as the result of injuries sustained in a one-car accident on Bushville Road at Lt. Brender Highway in the Town of Bethel.

The Sullivan Diagnostic Treatment Center held  “Walk on Water” 10K walk-a-thon on Saturday in an effort to raise money for the construction of a therapeutic swimming pool. The Telephone Pioneers recently donated $6,000 to purchase a dialysis machine for the center.

District Attorney Stephen Lungen had the honor of walking the bride down the aisle when an employee in his office, Emilie Corigliano, became the bride of Michael DeMalo  of Equinunk, Pa., when the couple exchanged wedding vows at the Bradstan Hotel in White Lake.

20 Years Ago - 2003

The Dr. Robert J. Kaiser Invitational debate tournament was held Friday and Saturday at Monticello High School. Teenagers from 34 schools scattered about six states participated. This was the 16th annual event held at Monticello.

Last year it was thought that the 200-year boundary dispute between Sullivan and Orange counties was finally settled. Turns out, not quite. But then again, what is a year in a two-century dispute? The matter was discussed at the Sullivan County Legislature’s Executive Committee Meeting on Thursday, October 9. The update was offered by County Attorney Ira Cohen, Real Property Tax Services Director Paul Burckard, and Engineer George Fulton. The dispute dates back to 1873 and covers a 14-mile stretch of contested properties. A plan has been drawn up, and both counties seem to agree with it. The matter will be in court November 28, and once an agreement is reached, monuments will be placed along the line to mark it – t a cost of $30,000-$60,000 apiece. A resolution to wrap it up passed the committee. The full board must pass it at its meeting on Thursday, October 16.

The Eddie Adams workshop returned to Jeffersonville this weekend, sending dozens of photographers to roam the streets in search of the perfect photo.

Newly crowned homecoming king and queen at Sullivan West are senior Michael Barrett of Cochecton and senior Erin Rosenberger of Callicoon. The Bulldogs garnered a homecoming victory over Ellenville.

10 Years Ago - 2013

With no heat, a leaky roof and winter not far away, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Sullivan County’s Liberty headquarters is in desperate need of repair. On Thursday, CCE officials pitched a solution to county legislators that involves transferring the Gerald J. Skoda Education Center and its 22-acre property from the county to CCE for a dollar. In exchange, CCE would raise the nearly $1 million needed to complete all the building’s repairs. CCE’s board unanimously approved the plan last week. Now it awaits legislators’ vote, which will happen after an October 31 public hearing.

Local politicians officially broke ground Thursday on the long-awaited red meat processing plant off Willow Lane in Liberty. The million-dollar plant will be some distance from homes and other businesses and is intended to give local and upstate farmers a closer choice to process their meat. 

SUNY Sullivan is taking yet another big step forward in establishing its campus as a living laboratory of sustainable practices as it has broken ground on a new composting system. The composting project has been led by coordinators, Helena le Roux, SUNY Sullivan’s director of Sustainability, and John Lopez, a SUNY Sullivan student trustee.