NEVERSINK – Definitive deadlines dominated early discussion at the Town of Neversink’s Wednesday night meeting, as Grahamsville Fair Association (Neversink Agricultural Society Inc.) President Larry Bracken inquired about the status and anticipated completion date of the ongoing fairgrounds building project ahead of this year’s fair, August 14-16.

Attending the meeting as both the fair president and fire company president, Bracken asked for an update on the project, an addition to the pavilion—specifically when the building would be finished and ready for use.

Town Supervisor Chris Mathews confirmed that the project has continued to move forward, with the building’s trusses installed and interior work progressing.

“The guys are motivated, and I believe we’re going to be just fine,” Mathews assured.

When asked for a precise completion date, Mathews said he anticipated the building would be finished before the fair but gave Bracken Aug. 15 as the current target date.

Mathews later clarified to the Democrat that an exact date could not be guaranteed because unexpected hurdles could still arise, but he remained confident the project would be completed well before the fair.

During the meeting Bracken expressed frustration with the timeline, saying the projected date leaves little room to address any last-minute problems before the event begins.

“I’d much rather have it July 15,” Bracken admitted.

While acknowledging Bracken’s concerns, Mathews restated his belief in those working on the project.

“I have complete confidence in [Town Maintenance Workers] Joe [Bagley] and Ernie [Degastonguay],” Mathews said. “They’ve never let us down before.”

Bracken said his concerns came not only from his role with the fair, but also as a taxpayer watching the project continue longer than expected.

“I’m not anxious. I’m upset,” Bracken stated.

Mathews acknowledged the project has faced delays but said progress has recently been moving in the right direction.

“We had some bumps,” Mathews said. “As we all know, weather, mistakes, deaths, things happen. We’re on track right now.”

Resident and former Neversink Agricultural Society Board member Walt Zeitschel also asked about an electrical issue near the pavilion after a utility pole was replaced.

Councilman Jim Schmidt said equipment from the previous pole would be moved to the new one once the remaining work is completed.

Highlighting Henry Reynolds, Neversink’s first Town Supervisor

With Flag Day having taken place on June 14, Town Historian Roger Edwards used his report to highlight the life and legacy of Henry Reynolds, a Revolutionary War-era figure who helped shape the early years of the Town of Neversink.

Instead of traditionally focusing on his own accomplishments over the previous six months, Edwards said he wanted to spotlight “the accomplishments of a man whose life was dedicated” to fighting for freedom and helping build the community.

Reynolds, who became Neversink’s first Town Supervisor in 1798, was described by Edwards as a “fighting Quaker”—someone who faced a choice between the Quaker belief in pacifism and his commitment to the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

Born in Peekskill in the 1740s, Reynolds operated a store until 1777, when British forces raided the area, destroying homes and businesses, including his own. Concerned for his family’s safety, Reynolds relocated to present-day Monroe, where the home still stands and is recognized as a New York State historical site.

Edwards also shared the story of an attack on Reynolds’ home by Tory forces during the Revolutionary War, including a family account describing how Reynolds was attacked, wounded and nearly killed before surviving.

Said attack was traced to Reynolds’ outspoken loyalty to the American cause and his opposition to British rule, as well as his role in standing against Tory leader Claudius Smith, known as the “Cowboy of the Ramapos,” and his group that operated in the region.

Following the war, Reynolds established his connection to Neversink after moving to the Neversink Flats area sometime between 1788 and 1793. Edwards said Reynolds’ leadership and involvement in the town’s early development eventually led to his appointment as Neversink’s first supervisor in 1798. He later served in the New York State Assembly.

Reynolds died in Neversink in 1828 and was buried at the Pound Cemetery in Mutton Hill alongside his wife, Mary Fowler Reynolds.

Edwards also discussed the challenges of researching early Neversink history, noting that many records from that time period are difficult to locate because county records were stored in different locations as boundaries and government structures changed over the years.