The Time and the Valleys Museum gave a sneak peek and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Catskills Family Farm Phase II.

Invitees included donors, workers, volunteers, members, and staff of the museum.

“This Board had an absolutely crazy idea,” Time and the Valleys Museum Board President Richard Coombe recalled. “Let’s recreate a 1930s Lost Catskill Farm. We would do the project in two phases, and we try to emphasize that a family has just learned that New York City is taking their land to build a reservoir.”

Coombe explained that the main theme was to engage a global community to promote a vibrant discussion of New York City taking of Catskill lands for water and showcasing an international model for watershed protection.

The event had many speakers, one of which being New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala.

He noted the ambivalence of being the Commissioner of the New York City water system while standing in front of an exhibit that commemorates how a portion of building that water system wound up displacing many families from their homes.

“It’s important for all of us to look at the whole perspective on our water system,” stated Aggarwala. “[I think as a New York City Official] you look at that sign that says ‘CONDEMNED’ on that farmhouse down the hill, it’s a reminder that we have tremendous power.”

He emphasized the need to use such power thoughtfully as well as be a good partner and not abuse the authority and the power they have.

Aggarwala also praised the Museum as world-class, citing its ability to “tell the story  really, really well” from “multiple aspects.”

“It works because it works for both sides,” explained Aggarwala. “New York City has been investing a lot of money  here in the watershed. I’m really proud of the fact that New York City itself is the largest taxpayer in all the Western Hudson watershed counties.”

Three individuals (Sandra Bertholf Gerry, Robert Gipson, and Dorothy Muthig) also gave remarks about memories they’ve had.

Gerry noted how, in her short visit walking around the museum, she had learned so much.

“Our father Raymond Bertholf would be so pleased and honored that his beloved 1936 REO Speedwagon is housed and displayed in such a beautifully restored old barn at the Time and the Valleys Museum,” stated Gerry. “I was taken aback a little bit to see my father [cutout standee] standing by the REO...it kind of brought me to tears.”

She detailed a brief summary of the background behind the truck, from its origin in a Masten Lake purchase by her father to his devotion for the vehicle.

“Our father enjoyed many opportunities driving his truck at no more than 15 miles an hour around the County, although it could go 40,” recalled Gerry, which generated a chuckle from the audience. “Since 1978, dad’s truck has been in storage moving between...barns. It was time to find a more worthy home for his personal treasure and so here we are.”

“My real connection to the Reservoir System is in the Cannonsville Reservoir,” stated Robert Gipson. “My great-grandfather’s farm was in...the Town of Tompkins which is partly underwater now. It’s a farm that I owned for 50 years.”

He cites the museum as ‘holding a marvelous story’, equating his interest to a public works project of many benefiting while some pay the price and don’t get benefits.

“There are people that are hurt, and life is about balance. Truth is in between,” stated Gipson. “It’s a great lesson for young people  that you can do these things, but you have to respect those who made sacrifices to make it happen.”

“I remember long ago coming up through the valley, before they were still working on the construction and you would still come up through the valley, to visit with my grandfather,” stated Dorothy Muthig in a poignant moment. “It was in the Spring and back in those days you didn’t usually make maple syrup in March.”

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees were able to tour the 19 original restored 1930s Lost Catskill Farm buildings, including the Granary, Smokehouse, Sap House, Woodworking Shop and Root Cellar.

They were also able to learn about current watershed protection programs and visit the three floors of Museums which included “Tunnel, Toll and Trouble: NYS’s Quest for Water.”