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December 17, 2019 Edition

Ruth Huggler
Posted 12/17/19

140 Years Ago - 1879

John Benedict of near Youngsville died at the age of 28 last week of typhoid fever.

Bartley Ford, an employee of the tannery at Hancock, was killed Saturday night when …

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December 17, 2019 Edition

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140 Years Ago - 1879

John Benedict of near Youngsville died at the age of 28 last week of typhoid fever.

Bartley Ford, an employee of the tannery at Hancock, was killed Saturday night when the crank of a grindstone shaft struck him, fracturing his skull so that he died almost immediately.

Last week Fred Bietz, the butcher, killed a lamb, the tallow of which weighed 23 pounds.

Charles Homer, the genial hotelkeeper at Cochecton, visited Jeffersonville Monday. He reports that his business is in a flourishing condition.

Mr. J.D. Sherwood owns more livestock than any other man in his vicinity, it being said that on his two farms and at his hotel in Jeffersonville, he keeps over 150 head of cattle.

This season, Mr. Charles Scheidell raised 32 bushels of wheat from a sowing of 2 1/2 bushels. At the same time he sowed 2 bushels of rye and this fall harvested 70 bushels.

Miss Annie M., only daughter of Mr. Wm. Siebecker of Scranton, Pa., formerly a leading merchant of Youngsville, was married on Thanksgiving Day at the residence of her parents, to Mr. Frederick J. Widmayer of Scranton.

Callicoon Depot — A fresh in the river makes anticipation of a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year a genuine reality for the families of many backwoodsmen… Dr. S. Kemp will soon be in his new home and store where he will dispense the potent pill.

Callicoon — Mrs. Ruh has been left the sole dispenser of the beverage at our hotel, with but a few takers since election. The hotel has been unBolted. “Yetz hat Alles Ruh.”

The new German dominie gives it out that there is no necessity of English preaching here every four weeks, inasmuch as there is only one resident Yankee family, of which the latter families and son both understood German well. “New brooms…” etc.

J.E. McDermott has sold the old tannery property near the village of Jeffersonville to Philip Seelig for $800.

Michael Gettel of this town has purchased the Pintler farm near White Lake for $1300.

John Kremm of this town has presented to St. George's Church of this village, a new bell. We understand that the bell will be dedicated in memory of a son of Mr. Kremm, who died in the late Civil War.

Henry Rose has invented a machine, a simple arrangement of wheels and belts, by which the dasher of an ordinary churn can be kept in motion by merely turning a crank.

130 Years Ago - 1889

Karoline E. Euker died at Callicoon on December 1, 1889.

Mrs. William Henry, formerly of Fosterdale, died at her home in New York last week.

We understand that the O&W Railroad will spend some money in repairing the Gulf Road to Roscoe in the near future, with a view of securing commercial and passenger traffic from Callicoon and all along the Gulf to Roscoe.

Anne M. Vollerston died at her home in Youngsville on Friday, December 6, aged 79 years.

120 Years Ago - 1899

At the annual meeting of the Sullivan County Agricultural Society of Monticello, December 2, the old officers were re-elected as follows: President P.R. Pelton; Vice President Wm. J. Kinnie, Maplewood; Secretary Roscoe Decker, Monticello; Treasurer Stephen L. Long, Monticello.

E.M. Hubbard, engineer of the pusher engine at Livingston Manor for the past six years, has been given a much better run on what is called the “Utica Flyer” from Delhi to Norwich. Mr. Hubbard will move to Delhi shortly.

Seventeen cars, containing 2,000 “fingerling trout,” were received from the Caledonia hatchery last week and were placed in the Beaverkill, at Rockland, making 8,000 trout in all.

William J. Dietz of Callicoon Depot has gone to take a course at Wood Business College.

Livingston Manor has voted to raise $100 for a building for fire apparatus, and $325 for rent of hydrants for one year from the time when the water company shall furnish 65 pounds pressure. Frank Smith was elected fire commissioner.

Jay Sickle has sold his mercantile business at Roscoe to Ray Bennett, who will take possession as soon as the inventory is completed.

Dr. R.C. Tuttle of Rockland has leased Harlow Cochran's store building at Roscoe for a term of five years, and will open a drug store there.

The right of way for a trolley road between Barryville and White Lake has been secured as far as Eldred.

Philip Bietz has had the water works led into his house for the convenience of his family.

J.C. Abplanalp has placed a large new showcase in his store in which to display his watches and jewelry.

The bowling club bowled for a turkey at Bietz's Alley last Thursday night. Fred Ludwig won the prize with the fine average of 182 in 10 games.

Peter A. Weissman, son of the late Peter Weissman, and Anna B. Goetz of Callicoon, were married by Rev. H. Unglaub at that place on December 7.

George L. Westervelt and Miss Katie Finerty of Fosterdale were married at the M.E. parsonage at Kenoza Lake by Rev. W.H. VanHoesen December 7.

110 Years Ago - 1909

Joseph O. Layman of North Branch has sold his Belgian stallion to W.V. Denman of Neversink. The stallion is worth $2,000.

Miss Mary Hofer died at her home in Jeffersonville Monday, aged nearly 70 years. She was born in Jeffersonville, February 1, 1840, and was the second daughter of Victor and Salome Hofer, who came from Switzerland and settled in this section many years ago.

Laura, the 3 1/2-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Roser of Shandelee, died Sunday, November 21, after suffering eighteen days from meningitis.

Game wardens have been along the Delaware River looking up the owners of eel racks unlawfully maintained in the river.

The county treasurer has filed his report as appraiser, fixing the value of the estate of the late Valentine Schmidt of Jeffersonville at $13,425.42.

Kenoza Lake — Wm. Keegan has broken ground for the foundation for a new house in the village … Richard Schoaf, proprietor of The Fern, is still further improving his property by the erection of a large icehouse.

Sleet and rain Tuesday, followed by a cold wave, has made traveling very icy. If you haven't creepers on, it would be well for you to get down on your hands and knees if you want to prevent a bump.

David S. Avery of Monticello, chairman of the Democratic county committee, fell on the ice at his home the other day and striking a water pail, fractured three of his ribs and sustained severe bruises.

Landlord Zabriskie of the Wampanoag Inn raffled a horse Saturday night. George Schultz, the mail carrier, won the animal for 26 cents. There were 88 numbers running from one cent up. The amount realized on the horse was over $30.

100 Years Ago - 1919

Robert Stephenson, aged 59, and a lifelong farmer of Briscoe, dropped dead of heart disease at his home last Monday afternoon, about 4 o'clock, just as he had returned from a trip to Jeffersonville. He was born April 8, 1860, on the place where he died, which was the homestead of his father, Alexander Stephenson. He worked for various farmers in his youth and was, for a number of years, a faithful employee of the late Charles Scheidell. After his marriage 20 years ago to Miss Annie Norris, daughter of James Norris of Stevensville, he settled on the homestead. He leaves besides his wife and the niece who has been living with him since she was an infant, three brothers and two sisters.

Edson D. Knapp of Mamakating was re-elected president of the Sullivan County Farm Bureau last week. Edward J. Norris of Bethel was chosen vice president.

The new drug store at the Bennett Bros. was opened in Jeffersonville last Friday. It is the third store to be established by these enterprising pharmacists within a few years. The firm of Bennett Bros. was organized in 1914 by Reuben J. and Henry D. Bennett, brothers and both registered pharmacists. That year they opened a store in Callicoon, the firm buying out the Kemp store. In 1916, the second store was opened in Roscoe. In the fall of that year that store was wiped out by the fire that destroyed the business section. Recently the brothers bought out the drug store of J. R. Messiter at Roscoe and moved into Jeffersonville.

The fifteenth of December will commemorate the 74th year in the existence of the First Presbyterian Church of Jeffersonville. Founded in 1845, in the days of the early settlers, the church has enjoyed a steady growth from weakness to strength. The present pastor, Rev. Charles Nietzer, has been with the church since October 1918.

On Friday, December 5, a son arrived at the home of A. Roth, the Maple Avenue grocer.

90 Years Ago - 1929

County Treasurer Shaw has appraised the estate of the late Judge George L. Smith of Monticello at $208,870.31 after deducting expenses of $36,429.15, paid by the administrator.

President Hoover on Tuesday reappointed Valentine Hessinger postmaster at Callicoon Center and Edward J. Norris, at North White Lake. Mr. Hessinger's a Democrat and has been postmaster for many years under Republican administrations as was his predecessor, the late Wm. J. Harding.

Sullivan County deer hunters are seeking the passage by the legislature of a bill which will change the open season on deer in Sullivan County from the first to the last fifteen days in November.

Fred Schadt, Otto Meyer, Al Paolucci, George Raum and Harold Stephenson had a swell time hauling out pickerel at Toronto Lake in Bethel Sunday. Their catch numbered 75 and they threw back in the lake all caught under 14 inches long. That's what they say. But we'd like to consult the fish about it.

The Callicoon Center Fire Department will hold a special meeting on December 16 to vote on a proposition to raise $5,000 by tax for the purchase of a fire truck.

A daughter, Eleanor Ruth, was born Sunday morning to Mr. and Mrs. William C. Kabat of Fosterdale. Mrs. Kabat is the former Margaret Miller of the Beechwoods.

The new Lake Jefferson Hotel will have its first formal social function on New Year's Eve, when the American Legion post will hold a public dance there. Post Commander Harry Layman has appointed Walter J. Pfeiffer and Joseph Beiling a committee in charge of the affair.

Benjamin Yaeger of Jeffersonville, president and general manager of the Sullivan County Oil Co., will sail next month for a couple of months tour of Mediterranean ports that will reduce his bankroll by about $2,500.

80 Years Ago - 1939

Three large lumber mills and building materials businesses founded at Callicoon many years ago by the late Martin Hermann, and operated by the Hermann estate, has been purchased by Grover C. Hermann and Fred H. Starck, son and son-in-law of the founder. The son is an extensive paint manufacturer in Chicago. Mr. Starck recently sold his interest in the theater in Liberty and will remove to Callicoon to take an active interest in the lumber business. Herbert C. Persbacker will be retained as bookkeeper and manager.

Three inches of snow fell yesterday, covering the trees as well as the ground and at present we have a beautiful picture of winter, with the spirit of Christmas.

Larry Hauschild and family have been enjoying “possum pie” since he trapped a 20-pound ‘coon a week ago.

On December 8, Mrs. Ella T. McKay announced the engagement of her daughter, Nell N., to Elmer P. Geib.

70 Years Ago - 1949

On Tuesday night a group of interested parents and teachers organized a Parent-Teachers Association at a meeting at the Jeffersonville School. Ninety memberships were signed and it is expected that before the charter list is closed, there will be many more. Through the efforts of Mrs. Mae Roth, an interesting talk was given by Mrs. Wesley Durland of Monticello who explained the work of the PTA. Temporary officers were elected and any communications may be sent to Mrs. Fred W.V. Schadt, acting secretary.

The Jeff Lions Basketball team inflicted their first defeat, after 7 straight wins, on a basketball team from the Stewart Air Force Base, in the central school gym Tuesday night, 61-43. Arnie Sims was high scorer with 26 points. Last night, in a regular league game, the Jeff Lions defeated Pleasant Mount, Pa. 56 to 14.

At the recent fire district election of Kenoza Lake, the following were elected trustees: for five years, Earl Fulton; four years, Jesse Brown; three years, Wm. F. Luckey; two years, Julius Mueller; one year, William C. Fuhrer. Alfred E. Adler was elected treasurer for three years.

Miss Marilyn Pelton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Pelton of Livingston Manor, became the bride of Frank Calderio, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Calderio of Jeffersonville on Sunday.

With Herbert Nolde as the chef, the Stony Brook Hunting Club held their second annual venison dinner at the Hotel Jefferson. Sixty-five delicious dinners were served. William Nestle and Jesse Heib were the speakers. The buck for the dinner was donated by Mr. Heib who spent 17 days at the camp as guide and caretaker. Round and square dancing followed the dinner.

The Board of Supervisors yesterday passed the annual budget for the county of over $900,000.

At a meeting at the Hotel Clair in Youngsville, the Town of Callicoon Democratic Club elected the following officers: President Owen J. Tuohey, Vice President Richard Y. Todd, Secretary Mrs. Warren Ruppert and Treasurer Bernard Erlwein.

Kenneth Coleman, son of Mrs. Robert Hopkins of Jackson Heights and North Branch, was one of the crew of three men on the destroyer Vogelsand who were swept overboard while on maneuvers off the coast of Greenland with the U.S. Navy. The other two lost their lives in the icy waters but Coleman was rescued by a fellow sailor when himself, through the numbness of his body from the icy water, was unable to grasp the lifeline thrown to him. A brother, Dennis lost his life in World War II.

At the Callicoon Hospital, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Livingston of Eldred became parents of a daughter born last Friday; Mr. and Mrs. John Lohden of Shohola, Pa., had a daughter on Sunday. It was a girl for Mr. and Mrs. Arlen Agelsby of Equinunk, Pa., and a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Hinaman of Tyler Hill, Pa., both on December 6. Mr. and Mrs. John Ward of Damascus became parents of a daughter born Wednesday. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Price are the parents of a son born Thursday.

Mrs. Hazel Darling of White Lake, a stenographer in the law offices of Ellsworth Baker at Monticello for the past 16 years, has retired and begun work as a clerk in the Motor Vehicle Bureau at the courthouse. She will become stenographer at the office of District Attorney Ben Newberg January first.

Harry Wilcox, leader of a 4-H club in Fremont Center, has been awarded the Eastern Poultry Award for the all-around accomplishments with his poultry flock. Harry kept account records of his poultry business and entered his flock in the home egg laying contest. Starting next Monday, Harry goes to the Poultry Show held in Madison Square Garden for three days. While there, he will be interviewed on a program over WJZ. He has been awarded a fine pen and pencil set.

60 Years Ago - 1959

Owen E. Bohan, 79, retired Judge of General Sessions, was found dead last Saturday, December 5, in his apartment at the Parc Fendome, NYC. Judge Bohan was well known in Jeff where he spent many vacations at the Louis Voegtli farm, the Jeffersonville House when run by the Groutens, and the Mansion House when run by “Pop” Knell, and he considered Jeff his second home. Judge Bohan served on the bench of General Sessions from 1933 until his retirement, on reaching the mandatory age in 1950.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Kimmes observed their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday of last week.

George P. Schorck of Narrowsburg was elected Master of Callicoon Lodge No. 521, F.&A.M., of Jeffersonville. Also named to serve with him were Harold L. Reichman of White Sulphur Springs, Senior Warden; Osmer R. VanSchoick of Narrowsburg, Junior Warden; Harry Williams of Jeffersonville, Secretary; Cameron E. Gain of Jeffersonville, Treasurer; and Albert W. Menges of Youngs­ville, Trustee for three years.

Homer S. Sprangler Sr., a resident of North Branch and a tunnel worker, died at the age of 38 at the Liberty-Loomis Hospital November 25th after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, the former Isabelle Carver; two daughters, a son and a number of brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Anton Steppich, a Jeffersonville resident for 12 years, died last Friday at his home in the Beechwoods. He was 66. Born in Munich, Germany, he was a German veteran of WWI and on two occasions won the “Iron Cross” decoration from Wilhelm II, the German emperor. Survivors include his widow, Thera, and a son, Alfred.

Leona Lee Steckler of Cochecton Center died last Sunday at her home. She was 57 and a sister-in-law of Dr. Max Epstein of Jeffersonville.

Jurgen H. Abbenseth of Callicoon Center died last Friday at the home of his daughter Mrs. Anna Stelling. He was 89.

As the basketball season started to gather steam the J-Y Trojans knocked off 2 non-league teams. Tri-Valley won a squeaker by 1 point from Roscoe. League champions, Delaware Valley, defeated Narrowsburg and Livingston Manor, which is making a strong bid for top honors this year, defeated Eldred by 20 points.

50 years ago - 1969

Fifteen cars and two diesel sections of Erie Lackawanna train Croxton 99, westbound, lies scattered along Main Street, Hancock, as this issue goes to press. The derailment occurred about 6:35 a.m. December 10, with no explanation given for the accident. All of the derailed cars lie from the red light to the Delaware Inn on Hancock's main drag. No personal injury has been reported. Damaged structures include Rosenfield's Liquor Store, the Delaware Inn, where a freight car came to rest against the front porch, and a building next to the liquor store, which was completely demolished. Patrons in the Cozy Corner Restaurant departed the eating place in great haste as the derailment began. At least 15 automobiles parked in front of the different buildings along the street were completely destroyed.

Robert M. Long, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Long of Hortonville, has been named vice president of manufacturing for the White Mop Wringer Co., Electolux Division of Consolidated Foods Corp., in Fultonville.

Edwin M. Field, president of Field Associates, Ltd., a Monticello-based public relations counseling firm, has been appointed to the board of directors of Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress, the seven-county citizens regional planning and development corporation.

Miss Deborah Lee Wanklin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wanklin of Lookout, Pa., became the bride of Robert Lewis Reagan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Reagan of Honesdale, Pa., November 8, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Honesdale, Pa.

The Outstanding Americans Foundation announced today that Donna Baer and Donna Ferber have been selected from Delaware Valley Central School as Outstanding Teenagers of America for 1970. These students will compete for state and national awards.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kutger of Youngsville have announced the engagement of their daughter, Sharon Marie, to Walter Joseph Nowak Jr. of Binghamton. An August wedding is planned.

Approximately 200 lawyers, judges and their wives attended the testimonial dinner honoring Sullivan County Supreme Court Judge William Deckelman on his mandatory retirement at the Grossinger's Hotel, December 6.

The total of pledges and single contributions to the Grover M. Hermann Hospital Fund Drive is $248,899.44 as of December 8.

40 Years Ago - 1979

Tusten Town Supervisor Dick Behling was honored with a testimonial dinner Sunday night at the Arlington Hotel in Narrowsburg. Mr. Behling was also named “Sportsman of the Year” by the Sullivan County Federation of Sportsmen this year. Mr. Behling served for 20 years as highway superintendent before being appointed as supervisor in 1961. There is not one county committee Mr. Behling has not sat on during his tenure as supervisor.

A three-year contract negotiated by the New York State Nurses' Association was overwhelmingly ratified by the nearly 200 registered nurses employed by Community General Hospital of Sullivan County last Wednesday.

Two weeks ago a sign was presented by the Delaware Valley Central School graduating class of 1967 in memory of their classmate Anthony Verderber. The sign was destroyed last Sunday afternoon by unknown vandals. The matter is under investigation by New York State Police.

The Democratic party has retained an 11-vote margin by the weighted system on the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors with the court-ordered decisions in two contested elections. Former Supervisor Paul Kean has regained his Lumberland seat by a three-vote margin over Barbara Hugel, 448-445, while the Republican's Ludwig P. Grupp of the town of Callicoon has been declared a one-vote victor, 611-610, over the Democrat incumbent George Hecker.

Miss Lori Ellen Swendsen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Swendsen of Milanville, Pa., became the bride of Ricky A. Kerschner of Leesport, Pa., on October 6, at the Calkins Union Baptist Church… Mary Kathryn Keesler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Keesler of Galilee, Pa., and Donald Soliwoda of Binghamton were married at St. Christopher's R.C. Church in Binghamton on September 22. They will live in Johnson City.

George Parker, vice president and director of operations of the Concord Hotel, received the Hudson-Delaware Council, Boy Scouts of America, 6th Annual Distinguished Citizens' Award December 8. Over 300 people attended the $100-a-couple-dinner at the Concord to see Mr. Parker, the youngest ever to receive the award, be honored.

Kimberly Anne Wendle and Steven Michael Ross, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Ross of Liberty, were married by Judge Richard Hering of the Town of Liberty, at the Paramount Hotel in Parksville on December 1.

30 Years Ago - 1989

After nine months of hard negotiations, the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors approved a $900,660,901 budget for 1990 on Tuesday, which is $8,151,357 or nearly 10 percent more than last year's financial plan.

The Sullivan County Sheriff's Patrol survived a final challenge this week and is likely to remain intact and in place for some time to come. The 35-man unit operating out of Monticello provides police protection to many outlying parts of Sullivan County as well as backup for the jail, prisoner transport and a county presence at civic functions.

The Daytop Village singers from Parksville presented a program at the Government Center in Monticello as part of an ongoing holiday presentation by various musical groups from throughout the county.

Mr. and Mrs. George Lipay of Fosterdale observed their 50th wedding anniversary recently with a celebration hosted by their children at Bernie's Holiday Mountain Restaurant in Rock Hill.

The children at the Liberty Elementary School celebrated Mickey Mouse's 61st birthday by singing the Mickey Mouse theme, first introduced on television in the '40s and '50s. Created by Walt Disney in 1928, the cartoon character is the trademark of Disneyland.

About 200 relatives and friends attended a 100th birthday celebration in honor of Mary Welsh of Tyler Hill on November 25. She and her husband, the late Frank Welsh, operated a boarding house on the land that was the Wayne Country Club and now the site of Tyler Hill Camp, catering to notables such as Joe DiMaggio, Eddie Duchin and Earl Wilson.

For the second time in less than a week, a truck bound for the F&D Landfill in Jeffersonville, overturned on Route 52 in Fosterdale, strewing construction and demolition debris on the highway.

20 Years Ago - 1999

Officials from the North American Numbering Plan Adminstration and the NYS Public Service Commission announced Thursday that Sullivan County - and the rest of the 914 area code, save for Westchester County - will have a new area code starting June 5: 845.

County legislators are not the only people destined for a raise when January comes around. Top and middle level management is in line for pay hikes too when the full board meets to approve a pay raise resolution on Thursday.

An early morning fire at a staff residence buiding on the grounds of Kutsher's Country Club killed a long-time hotel employee yesterday and displaced about 10 other employees who lived in the building. Killed in the blaze was Ed Hoffman, who had worked at the hotel for more than 20 years, said Mark Kutsher, the hotel's owner and manager.

Caroline DeVoe Price of Livingston Manor and Charles Dombroski of Liberty were united in marriage on November 21 at the Beaverkill Valley Inn.

Karen and Thomas Swift of Blauvelt announce the engagement of their daughter Cheryl Ann to John P. McPhillips Jr. He is the son of Patricia and John P. McPhillips Sr. of Parksville.

Karen Peters, daughter of Bill and Pat Norris of Youngsville, has been named assistant vice president at Marsh, Inc., of Albany, an office of one of the world's leading insurance brokerage and risk advisement companies.

10 Years Ago - 2009

James Arnott, owner of the A&J Hometown Oil/Larson's in Wurtsboro, received a plaque from Joseph D'Aprile, president of the Hudson Valley Oil Heat Council. Arnott, who started his heating oil business in 1993, was named Oil Man of the Year by the Council, at an event held at Anthony's Pier 9 in New Windsor.

Fast police work and several concerned citizens helped nab two would-be bank robbers, from Connecticut, just 60 minutes after they pulled their heist at the Callicoon branch of the Bank of America. Michele Galloway, receptionist at the chiropractic office of Dr. Linda Borrelli, was sitting in her car along Audley Dorrer Drive when she saw a man carrying a garbage bag over his shoulder and walking across the Callicoon Creek Park and kept watching him because she thought he was going to throw away his garbage. Instead he got into his white car which was parked at the back of the Peck's parking lot. She didn't think too much of it until she heard the bank was robbed. One of Dr. Borrelli's customers relayed her story to the police and they quickly came to interview her. Following the eyewitness accounts by Galloway and the staff at the Bank of America, the duo was pulled over in the Town of Shawangunk. The robbers were attempting to return to Connecticut.

A second bank, in less than a week was robbed in Callicoon. State Police responded to a report of a robbery at the First National Bank of Jeffersonville branch on Route 17B. A masked man, armed with a gun, entered the bank and demanded money and fled in an older Pontiac. Investigators believed there were two people involved and were looking through the bank's internal videotapes for more information. This robbery has gone unsolved for 10 years.

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