140 Years Ago - 1881

The largest load of bark ever taken to the Pike Pond tannery was drawn by Jacob Bauer's team last week. It weighed 7740 pounds.

Arthur Bird, the late secretary to the American Minister at Port-au-Prince, Haiti, arrived in town Saturday past. He is looking well, but thinks our weather rather severe.

Casper Weisenpflug, living near Youngsville, while cutting fodder on Tuesday afternoon, had three fingers amputated.

About three weeks ago, George Allgeier of Beechwoods, while going to Babcock Bay after a load of wood, lost his ax and was obliged to borrow one. Upon returning it he was charged for its use. George gave the “neighbor” his 50¢ and a “black eye.”

130 years ago - 1891

The Hancock Herald says that at Duck Harbor, the Messrs. Holberts have put 1,300,000 feet of hemlock logs upon the bank at Little Equinunk. We propose calling it Kellam's hereafter as the post office is very appropriately called. Today they will begin hauling sawed lumber, and weather permitting, in two days they will have banked at Kellam's 300,000 feet of that. Wm. P. Holbert has put on the banks at that place 300,000 of maple logs, and has nearly 400,000 of sawed hardwood that is drawn to or near the railroad at Lordville. At the chemical works, long ranks of wood attest the difference between this and last winter.

A letter from John Beck to the “Record,” dated January 27, 1891, states “Jeffersonville will get a railroad, if all the property owners in the village and within a radius of two miles, and so on along the line, will contribute each, from $100 upward. The route would be about 21 miles, and cost about $10,000 a mile, or about $210,000. The route selected should commence on the southeast side of the Callicoon Creek and along said bank and, if possible, through Adam Heidt's to Moulthrop's saw mill, and then along the old Erie saw mill, and then along the old Erie survey, to White Lake, Monticello and terminate at Fallsburg. Talk it up, and let's see what can be done.”

120 years ago - 1901

Prof. J. Joseph Stuehler of Jeffersonville and Mary Theresa Schonger of North Branch were united at the professor's home in Jeffersonville on January 16 by Rev. F.J. Kraushaar, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. The bride is the daughter of the late Dr. George Schonger of North Branch and formerly a pupil of the professor, who is a teacher of music and came to Jeffersonville some years ago.

Robert T. Glasgow and Miss Lena Eggler, the young couple who have figured quite prominently in the public mind for the past couple of weeks, owing to the groom's wayward conduct, were married at the Presbyterian Parsonage in Jeffersonville on Wednesday night of last week. They are now living at the Eggler home on Swiss Hill.

Charles C. Prime, an O&W conductor of Middletown and Anna C. Davidson of Roscoe, were married in Liberty on January 23.

The Post Office department has announced that unsatisfactory bids have been received for carrying the mails on the Emmonsville and Willowemoc route to Livingston Manor and that new bids will be received for these route in the next 30 days.

W.P. Craig of Liberty, treasurer and general manager of the Liberty and Jeffersonville electric road, was in town last week. He says that the road is going to be completed. It is only a question of how soon, he says, and that depends on what assistance is given by the people.

110 Years Ago - 1911

Tomorrow is Groundhog Day. No shadow today.

A son was born Saturday morning to Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Schadt of Jeffersonville.

Richard Schrumpf and wife of Hortonville were visitors at the home of her cousin, Mrs. L.B. Goodwin.

Wm. H. Lixfield, who recently bought the Baum saloon property, talks of erecting a bowling alley on the premises.

C.J. Yager has embarked in the undertaking business and has hung out his shingle on Maple Avenue.

Louis Ebbert of Hortonville and Miss Florence Tremper of White Sulphur Springs, were married last Tuesday evening, at the bride's home.

Val Hessinger, Alfred Kastner and Chris Schrumpf went to Newark last week to attend the funeral of Jules Girtanner of Friday evening.

Mrs. Malcolm Hadden and daughter are spending a week with her father, H. Stephenson of West Bethel.

100 Years Ago - 1921

“Si” Paddock, the “Millionaire Kid” and heir to the Paddock millions turned up in Jeff last week. He stated that he did not “disappear” as newspapers would have it, but went to sea to avoid temptation.

Will Lawrence, Fred Schadt and Otto Meyer made another raid on the big pickerel in Indian Field Lake near Bethel.

Joseph Alpy, a former garage­man in Callicoon and Jeffersonville, will shortly take over the repair department of the Howland Garage at Callicoon.

Clarence Clark and Miss Grace Laufersweiler, both of Liberty, were married at the local Presbyterian parsonage on January 22nd.

The Misses Rose and Lillian Hubert of Jeff are employed for the three severe winter months in Key West, Fla.

The Sixtieth Anniversary of the Ladies Aid of the Lutheran Church was celebrated this week.

There are many more causes of war now than there were in 1914, but not so many people want to fight.

90 Years Ago - 1931

Seven pieces of highway will be constructed in this county at an estimated cost of $223,030, during 1932, according to a road plan adopted by the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors. Among the roads to be built are the following: White Lake to Sawn Lake, by way of the Briscoe Road, nine miles, half in the Town of Bethel and half in the Town of Liberty. Nearly six miles completed in Bethel. About 3.3 to be constructed. Estimated cost $44,050.

Lake Huntington, 5.7 miles in the Town of Cochecton. About 3.3 miles to be constructed. Cost $49,500.

Jeffersonville-North Branch Road. 4.3 miles, most of which is in the Town of Callicoon. Two miles constructed. Rest to be completed at a cost of $32,360.

Lew Beach Road, 8.6 miles in the town of Rockland. About 3.2 miles completed. An additional 1.4 miles to be constructed at a cost of $23,270.

The Democratic County Committee met at Monticello last Saturday to choose a new chairman in place of John J. Burns, who died not long ago. Although several names were mentioned, the committeemen finally settled on James M. Kelly of Monticello, vice chairman, and he was elected without opposition.

80 Years Ago - 1941

The first president's birthday ball, held at the Jeff Central School auditorium last Saturday night, proved an outstanding social event. Arrangements were in charge of Chas. S. Hick. Four victims of infantile paralysis attended the ball: John von Bergen, Delaware town clerk, who is paralyzed from the waist down; Milton Erdman of Jeffersonville, whose right arm is paralyzed; Charles Morgan of Fosterdale, who also has an afflicted arm; and Joseph Kirk of Narrowsburg, who is likewise afflicted.

The unit pipe organ, installed in St. George's R.C. church last week, was dedicated at a service last Sunday evening when Fr. Raphaell, director of St. Joseph's Seminary, Callicoon, played the organ for the first time. The dedication and blessing were by Fr. Cuthbert of the college, and Fr. Leonard, pastor of St. George's, gave the benediction. The rebuilt organ was formerly used in the Liberty Theatre and was donated to the church by J.M. Beck of Liberty, through the offices of Dr. V.G. Burke of Livingston Manor.

Hortonville, Jan. 29 — George H. Allgeier, 52, died at his home early this morning. He was born at Parksville, a son of George J. Allgeier and Christina Knack of Hortonville, to which the family returned about 50 years ago.

70 Years Ago - 1951

One hundred seventy-two votes were cast, 89 in favor and 83 against, a resolution of the Town of Callicoon, to purchase property and erect a town barn to store highway equipment, at an election held Tuesday in the three districts of the township. Youngsville voted 14 to 1 in favor; Callicoon Center and North Branch voted 74 against and 28 in favor; and Jeffersonville voted 47 “Yes” and 8 “No.” The cost is not to exceed $9,500 to be financed by the issuance of bonds of $950 a year for 10 years with interest not to exceed five percent.

James G. Lyons of Monticello, former Democratic Assemblyman, began work on Monday as acting director of a regional price control office of the Economic Stabilization Administration in Manhattan. The post will have supervision over price control in New York and New Jersey. Mr. Lyons lost to Hyman Mintz of Fallsburg in the Assembly contest last fall. He was recommended for the new post by the State Democratic committee. A dairy farmer, Mr. Lyons was first elected to the Assembly in 1938.

Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Weiss are the parents of a son, Ray Elliott, born at Maimonides Hospital in Liberty, January 26th. Mrs. Weiss is the former Elaine Cole.

60 Years Ago - 1961

Last Friday the O&W Railroad paid Sullivan County $224,853.50 in back taxes owed by the railroad. This recovery represented the best windfall the county has received and the largest check that has ever come to it.

Harry Borden, County Democratic chairman, will lead a group to the New York State Democratic dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York on February 11. Cost is $100 per plate.

Max Yasgur made the highest bid for any cow at the cattle breeders convention at the Concord last week. He bid $1,400. While at the Concord fire broke out on February 1 at the pasteurizing plant of Yasgur Farms in Bethel, destroying a storage area and a portion of the roof. Five fire companies responded to the blaze in 22 below zero weather.

“It's going to take the last bit of effort on the part of every man, woman and school pupil if Sullivan County is going to get a community college,” said Fred H. Starck, chairman of the 26-member lay committee. In the effort, Mr. Starck said, students and teachers should make every possible effort to fill out and return the questionnaire the survey sub-committee will present; individuals, civic organizations and business places must explore the possibility of scholarships for such a college; and county residents must make every effort to avoid a site hassle which might pit one section against another and interfere with the maximum push to get the college.

50 years ago - 1971

Miss Donna Cox and Dennis Day were united in the United Methodist Church of White Sulphur Springs on January 9. Rev. Ralph Madill officiated at the ceremony.

Tickets for the upcoming March 8 Muhammed Ali-Joe Frazier heavyweight title fight are now on sale at the Monticello Raceway where the “richest” boxing bout in history will be screened.

The Liberty Register is closed, according to a sign on the door of the 100-year-old newspaper. The Sullivan County Democrat has announced opening a Liberty office and Bruce Wells, the last editor of the Register and former local news editor of Radio Station WVOS will compile news of the Liberty area for publication in the Democrat.

40 Years Ago - 1981

Groundhog Day was the answer to a prayer. It rained more overnight than it had during the entire month of January - .51 inches for 31 days - .92 by 1 a.m. Tuesday. The Callicoon Creek was 4 to 5 inches higher than it was on Saturday.

Over 100 persons came Sunday to view a memorial tribute to the late Manville Wakefield in the Beck Gallery of the Catskill Art Society. While Paul Lounsbury sang and played original music that told of the old days of the railroad bringing visitors up the mountains by rail, the walls glowed with the paintings of Mr. Wakefield, paintings of Sullivan County scenery and the mighty railroad engines that plowed the rails. Mr. Wakefield's book, “To the Mountains By Rail,” is on sale at CAS this month, as well as some fine prints of his paintings.

Some in Sullivan scenes were filmed this week at the Concord Resort Hotel pool for the new Warner Bros. film, “Soup for One.” WVOS News Director Katherine Scott was one of those shot as a “swingin' single.” The film is due on the market in the fall.

Gov. Hugh L. Carey has designated February 1-7 as “POW/MIA Remembrance Week” in a proclamation declaring that the unresolved question of the fate of American Prisoners of War and Missing in Action in Southeast Asia “should press down on the conscience of every American.” As far as we know there are no POWs or MIAs from Sullivan County among those 2500-2700 left behind in the Asian mainland as a result of the engagements of the so-called Vietnam War.

30 Years Ago - 1991

Everywhere you go in Sullivan you can see support for our troops in the Persian Gulf. Yellow ribbons and flowing flags are everywhere, but sometimes the biggest supporters of our troops over there are not to be judged by the size of a satin bow. Should Desert Storm become a ground war and there were not enough military personnel or ambulances around to transport those men and women from the airport to the hospital, area ambulance corps volunteers will be responsible for transporting those wounded soldiers who would be flown into Stewart Airport, to area hospitals. This is the plan according to Luis Alvarez, the EMS coordinator for this program.

About 400 people gathered at the county government center in Monticello on Sunday in support of the troops in the Persian Gulf War.

The 12th annual Frederick Douglass Breakfast, held in observance of Black History Month, was held Sunday morning as a capacity crowd gathered at the Sullivan County Community College. George Billups Jr. a resident of Woodbourne and principal of the Beacon High School, was presented the Frederick Douglass Award by the Sullivan County Chapter of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History. He was so honored for his community service and for being a role model for youth.

Edna Parks of Liberty and Theodore A. Dalton of Ormond Beach, Fla., exchanged wedding vows on December 26, 1990, in Daytona Beach, Fla. The bride is a teacher at the Monticello High School.

20 Years Ago - 2001

The completion and current use of the newly opened, countywide Training Facility Classrooms at the Sullivan County Airport has been seen by the fire service as an important first step in meeting their training needs. Now they are finally on the verge of getting a county-wide hands-on training facility at the Sullivan County Airport.

Four generations of the Harris family met for a baby shower at the home of Kirkland and Marie Harris to celebrate the birth of the fourth living generation, including: Agnes Harris Kukas, Susan Kukas Carnell, and baby Madison Sarah Carnell who was born December 15, 2000, and Irene McCaffery Harris.

Scores of county Boy Scouts had the opportunity to visit a few of the stations of the famed O&W Railway this past Saturday - and never left the boundary of Walnut Mountain Park in Liberty. Pulling sleds packed with mess kits, blankets, food and other supplies, the scouts tested their skills at each stop in the Nav-a-Len District's annual Klondike Derby.

Wurtsboro Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Jersey Road in Yankee Lake shortly after 9 a.m. this past Saturday, and firefighters said the woman who was living there narrowly escaped with her life.

Louis H. Smith of Cornwall has been named chief operating officer for Community General Hospital.

DEATHS — Henry A. Walter of Loch Sheldrake, a retired farmer, 84, died Feb. 1, 2001 at the Walnut Mountain Care Center in Liberty… Gustave Shock of Monticello, 79, a florist at Monticello Greenhouse, died February 3, 2001 at Community General Hospital in Harris… George F. Babcock of Bloomingburg, 73, retired from the NYS Highway Dept., died February 4, 2001 at Horton Medical Center in Middletown… Clayton G. Young of Livingston Manor, 78, a retired maintenance man for the Erie Railroad, died February 1, 2001 at his home.

10 Years Ago - 2011

With the Monticello, Liberty and Fallsburg police chiefs sitting in the room, legislators discussed the potential transition of Sheriff's Office dispatching duties to the 911 Center. In exchange for the county leaving vacant four unfilled deputy positions, legislators and the sheriff talked about having the 911 Center take over dispatching deputies, thus freeing up the Sheriff's Office dispatchers - who are deputies themselves - to go on patrol. To accomplish such, Sheriff Michael Schiff will assume responsibility of the 911 Center. No personnel will be laid off, but since 911 dispatchers will become privy to highly sensitive and confidential police activity, “I'm taking a very strong stance that that needs to remain under the police umbrella,” Schiff told legislators.

The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop (SCDW) saw record numbers of theatre-goers attend the six productions of its 60th season. All six productions earned accolades from audience members, reviewers and roving adjudicators from the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS) as well as several TANYS Merit Awards for Meritorious Achievement, Excellence and Outstanding aspects of both onstage and behind-the-scenes work. And in 2010, for the fifth time in the past six years, the SCDW was honored to be considered among the finest theatre groups in the State, having their production of “Bathroom Humor” chosen as one of only eight shows statewide to be performed at the annual TANYS Festival in Batavia.

The Old Mine Road Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution announced the 2011 winner of the DAR Good Citizen Scholarship. Emily Campanella is a senior at the Eldred High School and won this year's competition and is very active in extracurricular activities, volunteer activities, and leadership, both in High School and in the community.