130 Years Ago - 1891

Miss Lucy Woodward and Mr. Sheldon Ostrum, both of Rockland, were married January 8th at Rockland by Rev. A.S. Crispell.

On January 11, at Rockland, Miss Mary A. Warren of Rockland and Leander R. Skinner of Mamakating were married.

Alex Diving has opened a picture gallery in Parksville.

The Neversink Lodge of the Knights of Honor was instituted at Fallsburgh by C.F. Starck, D.D.G.M. of Callicoon Depot and C.S. Webster, P.G.M. of Middletown.

Miss Ida Crary, daughter of Mason Crary, a former resident of Liberty, was married to Robert White Jr. of Washington, D.C. on December 29th.

120 Years ago - 1901

Ed Homer of Youngsville is going to build another story on his hotel in the spring to accommodate more boarders.

Bob Farquhar was married to Sophia Stephenson of Bethel last Sunday.

A son was born on January 12 to Mr. and Mrs. Elroy Moulthrop of Kenoza Lake.

The annual report of the Callicoon Agricultural Mutual Fire Insurance Company shows insurance in force on December 31, 1890, of $1,808,751 with 818 policies and a gain of 78 members during the year. The Board of Directors consists of the following: Callicoon, A.F. Bush, A.V. Borden, Joe Zahorik; Fremont, P.C. Hook, M.A. Hoffman, Henry Mauer; Del­a­ware, E. Buddenhagen, A. Heidt; Bethel, C. Fuhrer, Jas. Pinckney; Cochecton, Jas. W. Thompson; Tusten, John F. Rupke; Rockland, E.H. Rowl. The officers are President W.J. Harding; Vice President Wm. F. Hornung; Treasurer N. Dycker; Secretary W.J. Gerhardt.

Snow is reported to be 3 feet deep on the level in the woods in the vicinity of Willowemoc.

We are informed that Will­iam Krantz Jr. of Callicoon hauled the heaviest load of flags to the depot a few days since that was ever drawn on sleighs. The load weighed over six tons.

110 years ago - 1911

A bridegroom has skipped taking $10 and a ring belonging to his intended bride. Robert T. Glasgow, aged 23, a son of Mrs. Margaret Glasgow, formerly of Hurd, was to be married Monday afternoon to Lena, the 20-year-old daughter of Mrs. Margaret Eggler of Swiss Hill. Arrangements were made for the wedding and Pastor J.F. Kraushnan of the Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church was to perform the ceremony at the Eggler home in the presence of immediate relatives. But on Sunday night, the young Glasgow skipped out, taking with him $10 of Miss Eggler's money and a ring she had saved from her father's belongings. Search was made at various places for him that night but he was not found and the wedding was declared off. The young man returned to the Eggler home about 3 o'clock yesterday morning and told a tale of having been drugged, and when he came to his senses, he found himself in Jersey City on Monday. We learned that he was not warmly received at the girl's home, and that he has been given to understand that he is not wanted there.

The annual meeting of the Callicoon Agricultural Mutual Fire Relief Assn., was held at Bauernfeind's Hotel in North Branch on Saturday, January 12. The salary of the president was increased from from $30 to $50 a year, and the treasurer's from $50 to $75. Director's fees for taking in an application was increased from 75¢ to $1. The policy gain during the year was $158,728 with 87 more policies; 158 members had joined during the year.

Henry A. Meyer has given the contract for his new house on Orchard Street to William Kohler for $1200 complete. Henry Huebsch has the job of digging the cellar for $20. The house is 24x36 feet. Frank Neuberger will do the stone work.

100 years ago - 1921

William J. Groo, a native of Neversink, who rose to prom­inence as a lawyer in this part of the state, died at his home in Middletown Tuesday, aged 79 years. He was the Prohibitionist candidate for Governor in 1876.

Lincoln Chapter of Eastern Star held a public installation of officers on Thursday night at which about 60 members and invited guests were present. The officers were installed by Past Patron J.H. Glassell, assisted by Mrs. Belle Krenrich, past Matron, as Marshal, and Philip Schmidt as Assistant Marshal. The new Matron is Mrs. Carrie C. Schmidt, with Mrs. Clara Manny as associate matron, Mrs. Ella P. Schmidt as conductress, Mrs. Mary A. Kohler as associate conductress, Mrs. Carrie Kocher, treasurer, Mrs. Elizabeth Schmidt, secretary, and Wm. Knell as trustee.

Installed at Callicoon Masonic Lodge on Saturday night was Val Scheidell as Master. Other officers were Senior Warden John A. Reymann; Junior Warden Philip Schmidt, Treasurer Chas. Schmidt; Secretary J.H. Glassel; Trustee, Wm. Bollenbach; Senior Deacon Wm. P. Miller; Junior Deacon, W.J. Grishaber; Master of Ceremonies, V.P. Scheidell, J.L. Schmidt; Chaplains, Wm. Brown and J.C. Beck; Marshal, Wm. Knell; Organists, Otto Meyer and C.O. Wilkin; and Tiler, E.F. Manny.

The new steel bridge to be built across the Mongaup Valley stream will cost $3,000; the cost to be divided between the towns of Bethel and Thompson.

A coasting party at Livingston Manor last Thursday night ran into a barbed wire fence at the foot of the steep and icy Sherwood Hill, with serious results. Mrs. Chas. M. Woolsey sustained a broken collar bone; Ralph E. Winton had two ribs fractured; Everard Homer, the steersman, was severely bruised.

90 years ago - 1931

Over 60 men from all walks of life, all more or less are good sports, enjoyed the first dinner of the Callicoon Fish and Game Club at the Mansion House last Thursday evening. Among the culinary features were baked sea trout, potato dumplings and roast rabbit. The waitresses were Mesdames O.W. Meyer, Schadt, Hoffman and L.P. Ranft. Twenty-three new members were added to the club at this meeting. The officers are: President J. Cameron Gain; Vice President R.A. Schrumpf; Secretary-Treasurer F.W. Schadt; Executive Committee E.B. McDermott, H.W. Rogler, George Delap, Gasper Girard and Wesley Dorrer.

The new officers of the Jeffersonville Grange were installed Friday night by Harry Wahl, secretary of the Hortonville Grange.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Spielmann of Youngsville have announced the engagement of their daughter, Hilda E., to David H. Miller of Youngsville, who is now with the Western Electric Co. in the city.

At the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Church, attended by 36 members, E.C. Neiger and Wm. Kohler were elected elders and C.O. Wilkin and L.J. Dietrich were renamed as trustees.

Fred Long is building a garage in the Beechwoods.

Louis Layman and family have moved from their home in North Branch to the Ebersold home at Kenoza Lake, owned by J.O. Geddney, for whom Mr. Layman will work.

80 years ago - 1941

Fulton brothers of Kenoza Lake, who are engaged extensively in trapping throughout the state, recently took 100 red fox pelts to New York to sell, expecting $10 a piece for them. The offer was only $7 and they brought the pelts back home. Furs are not bringing the high prices of former years.

The Jeff boys team lost to Youngsville at basketball Friday, 12-9. Playing for Jeff were: R. Peters, center; R. Meyer, right forward; C. Alpy, left forward; V. Mullally, right guard; S. Frankel, left guard; substitute, B. Ginsberg; left forward. For Youngsville the team was H. Boxberger, center; Kessler, right forward; Brockwehl, left forward; J. Boxberger, right guard; Schoonmaker, left guard.

At the annual election of Protection Hose Co. the following were elected: President Otto Bollenbach; Vice President Alpheus Townsend and E.H. Parizot; Chief Chas. M. Peterson; First and Second Lieutenants, Mark Kohler and James Holmes; Fire Surgeon E.H. Parizot; Secretary-Treasurer Fred W. Siebert.

70 years ago - 1951

Chairman Charles S. Hick reports that plans are about complete for the celebration of the President's Birthday at the Jeffersonville Central School auditorium on January 25. Les Ross and his orchestra from Middletown will give a concert, followed by dancing, to raise funds for infantile paralysis.

Attorney Paul McDermott of Liberty, county chairman of the ball, advises authority to organize a Sullivan County Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis has been granted. Members will meet tonight to organize.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Meyers on January 15.

Mr. and Mrs. Abe Roth are rejoicing over the birth of a girl, Ellen Eve, born December 29, to Arthur and May Feingold Roth.

The Liberty school district will vote in February on a proposition to build a school annex for $75,000 for a vocational school.

Miss Eleanor Kohl of Callicoon became the bride of Harvey C. Olsen of Lake Hunt­ington last Thursday at the Hortonville Church. They were attended by her sister, Shirley Kohl, and his brother, Raymond.

Mr. and Mrs. John Muir of North Branch are the parents of a son born January 18 at the Callicoon Hospital.

Earl Edwards of Kenoza Lake was killed instantly Tuesday morning when he fell on a 42-inch saw while working in his sawmill situated on the Burr Road, just off Route 17B between Fosterdale and Bethel, 69 years of age. He was working with Floyd Gabriel, an employee. Mr. Edwards had operated the sawmill for the past 21 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Diehl are the parents of a son born on January 15 at the Callicoon Hospital. This is their fifth child.

Alan Lieb, former intertype operator at the Record, returned home Friday after two months of rest and medical treatment at the Veterans Camp at Mt. McGregor, and on Tuesday went back to work in the Callicoon Democrat office in place of publisher Stabbert's son, Fred, who entered military training.

Warren Ruppert, co-owner of the Jeffersonville Cleaners, has been called back to the U.S. Air Force. An engineer on a B-29, he has been given 30 days to get his affairs in order.

One person was injured as more than 100 men fought a million dollar warehouse fire which flared up before dawn on Saturday morning among buildings housing valuable construction equipment used on the Neversink dam project. Fed by exploding oil drums, flames billowed black clouds of smoke high in the frosty air as firemen from four Sullivan County communities, Neversink, Loch Sheldrake, Grahamsville and Liberty, using 120 men, worked to prevent the fire from spreading. Rev. Phillip West, pastor of the Grahamsville Methodist Church, suffered a back injury while working on a hose connection.

60 years ago - 1961

A pinochle “once in a lifetime” hand was held by Mrs. Rudy Schwartz and her partner, Sam Graby, at the VFW card party in Callicoon Saturday night. Mr. Graby received the bid, held a run in diamonds, 100 aces and a pair. His partner, Mrs. Schwartz, also had a flush in diamonds and a pair. Total meld in cards was 440 points.

Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Frankel of Liberty and Attorney and Mrs. Jack Ingber of South Fallsburg will be among those attending inaugural ceremonies for John F. Kennedy in Washington, D.C. Mr. Frankel was chairman of the Citizens for Kennedy in Sullivan County and is the associate Democratic chairman of the county association. Also planning to attend are Atty. Milton Levine of Hurleyville, Sullivan County Record Publisher and Mrs. Richard Rosenbaum of Jeffersonville and Mrs. and Mrs. Max Bender of Ferndale.

Two families from Hortonville were certainly seeing blue as they welcomed two boys into the world. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hornicek had their first child, a bouncing baby boy, Timothy, on January 8 while Mr. and Mrs. Henry Reimer welcomed their fourth boy into the world, Lee, on January 10.

Eugene O'Neill, one of the last oldtime stone cutters and quarry foremen, was buried at Glen Spey on Monday. He died at his home in Pond Eddy and was 84 years of age.

The Hotel Lorraine in Lake Huntington, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Morris Ferber for more than 40 years, has been sold to Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Armbruster of New York City, who own apartment houses and hotels there, and Frank Bitsanis, a former New York City restaurant operator. Mr. Ferber died last July 16... The Fairview Bungalow Col­ony, six miles west of Monticello on Route 17B, has also been sold to a New York City party, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Zimney. He is a school teacher. Abe Cohen is the seller.

The Reporter Company, publisher of the Walton Reporter, is the oldest industry in Walton. It will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year.

Mrs. Joseph Willis of Coch­ecton was elected president of the County Executive Committee of the Home Demonstration Department of the Sullivan County Cooperative Extension Service Association. A member of the Fosterdale Home Demonstration Unit, Mrs. Willis is also the County Family Life Leader. She has been a member of the executive committee for four years.

The Concord Hotel at Kiamesha Lake, one of the famous hotels of the world, will be host to the 41st annual meeting and convention of the Holstein-Fresian Association on January 30 and 31. Fifty-five registered Holsteins will be sold at a sale on the stage of the Empire Room of the hotel on February 1.

50 years ago - 1971

Five of the Harvey Beardslee children perished in a blaze early Sunday morning when their residence located on Dahlia Road, White Sulphur Springs, was engulfed in flames. Another child, Patricia, ran from the burning structure to the Richard Boyle home, seeking assistance for her brothers and sisters.

The Western Hotel in Callicoon is taking on a new appearance. Work under the supervision of owner Joseph Naughton will include constructing a new dining room, liquor store and barbershop.

Mr. and Mrs. August Kraft of Hankins celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 31 in the company of their daughter, Ruth Gallo of Carmel, son Allen and daughter-in-law Ellen of Hankins.

Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Bernhardt of Kenoza Lake announce the engagement of their daughter, Gwendolyn, to Richard E. Schumacher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Schumacher of Callicoon. A summer wedding is planned.

Atty. and Mrs. J.J. Epstein of Jeffersonville announce the birth of a baby girl, Cynthia Beth, on January 17, at Horton Memorial Hospital in Middletown.

Mr. and Mrs. George Just of Cochecton have become parents of a son, their first, at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, PA. Jamie George arrived on January 14, weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz.

A short time ago Carl Lindsley cut a bee tree near the Wilson Grant farm south of the village of White Sulphur Springs. Friday, he and his brother, Douglas, opened it and found at least 75 lbs. of honey.

40 years ago - 1981

It was a far cry from the January thaw which followed on Monday when the Livingston Manor Rotarians held their 22nd Annual Ice Carnival at Rotarian Park Saturday and Sunday. Despite a cold January day with a spirited wind, over 300 youngsters and adults turned out to watch the more energetic of the group race over the smooth ice. Jeanne Loucks was chosen as queen of the carnival Saturday night. She was attended by Jacki Jara, Martina Lavelle, Theresa Banks, Kim Knise and Carla Fredenberg. Lillian Helms won the junior girl's division. The boys winner was unknown at press time. Rich Benci and Dorene Kavanaugh were chosen “Skaters of the Day.”

The Rev. and Mrs. James Morre of Callicoon are the parents of a girl, Katherine, born January 16 at St. Francis Hospital in Port Jervis. She has a sister, Rebecca, and a brother, Jonathan, at home.

Debra Rinchisen of Jeffersonville and Troy Green of White Sulphur Springs were married December 28 at St. George's R.C. Church in Jeffersonville... Miss Patricia Flynn, daughter of County Sheriff Robert J. Flynn and Mrs. Flynn of White Sulphur Springs, became the bride of Ronald Stabak on December 6.

The engagement of Janice Ellen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Komer of Hay Market, VA., to Bernard B. LaVecchia, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis LaVecchia of Monticello, has been announced by her parents… Mrs. Audrey McCullough of Kingston, to Scott Rosenberger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Rosenberger of Callicoon.

Fifty-two American host­ages were released from Iran on January 20 after 444 days in captivity. Mamakating citizens ask all in the area to join with them Sunday, January 25, in a community celebration of thanksgiving.

David A. Bult, son of Rev. and Mrs. Peter Bult in Hortonville, has been named headmaster of Pee Dee Academy in Marion, S.C.

Mary Biddings has been named “Employee of the Year” at the Walnut Mountain Nursing Home in Liberty. She was recently promoted to training aide for all nurses aides at the facility.

30 years ago - 1991

The Livingston Manor Class of 1993 won first place in the Livingston Manor Rotary Ice Carnival ice sculpting contest for its version of the Maltese Cross, a well-known fire fighting insignia. Second place went to the firefighter's bell, carved by the Class of 1994 and third place went to the Class of 1996 for its handiwork on a fire hydrant. All the entries in the contest made reference to the 100th anniversary of the Livingston Manor Fire Department being observed this year. Karl Bressler and Cathy Lewis were named “Skaters of the Day” and received trophies from Rotary Club president Bruce Lambert. More than 100 children participated in the event. Twins, Heather and Heidi Sedlacek reigned as Ice Carnival Queens.

Seventy-six patients of the Sullivan County Infirmary were moved into their new home, the newly constructed Sullivan County Adult Care Center, on Friday. It is hoped that the $9 million dollar facility will eventually house 160 patients.

David Feller of Rock Hill Troop 101 officially became an Eagle Scout January 20 in ceremonies held in the Monticello Middle School auditorium. As project, he cleaned and groomed the Bridgeville Cemetery.

The Wives and Daughters of the Elks, Liberty Lodge, presented a check for $500 to be used to purchase a therapeutic pool for the Sullivan County Diagnostic Treatment Center. A total of $3,000 has been donated to the project.

Ed Fecht of Upper Saddle River, N.J., 73, claimed the fastest time on the course Wednesday, clocking in at just over 26 seconds in the 70+ race at Holiday Mountain Wednesday. Al Nesin, 85, negotiated the giant slalom course in just under 29 seconds, to win a silver medal. Recently retired from the ski patrol after 25 years, Nat Hand, 82 years of age, was the winner of the bronze medal in the 80+ division. “I didn't do well enough to satisfy me,” said the still practicing Sullivan County lawyer. Hand has been skiing since 1948 and said, in jest, “I'm going to keep it up until I know how.”

20 Years Ago - 2001

Sullivan County was plagued by several minor motor vehicle accidents Friday due to the inclement weather that made some roads quite slick. A fuel oil delivery truck owned by County Petroleum, heading towards Neversink on Route 55, passed Aden Road and skidded into a guardrail and then flipped onto its side. The driver, Alexander Miller, suffered minor injuries.

The man regarded as one of Sullivan County's most influential residents died last Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at Community General in Harris. Carl P. Goldstein, 81, of Monticello was an incredibly active member of the Sullivan County community, perhaps most widely known for his role, as county attorney, in drafting Local Law No. 1 of 1970 - the mass gathering law which came about after the 1969 Woodstock music festival in Bethel.

Irving Shapiro of Liberty, the retired owner of Sullivan's Department Store in Liberty and Middletown and a longtime area resident, died at the New York University Medical Center in New York on Monday, January 22, 2001 at the age of 83. In the mid-1940s, Mr. Shapiro and his brother opened an Army and Navy surplus store in Liberty which ultimately led to the establishment of Sullivan's Department Store, first in Liberty and then a second store in Middletown. Both stores are now closed.

Kris and Annette Rasmussen became parents of a boy, Kristopher Robert, on January 7, 2001 at Harris hospital. He weighed 8 lbs. 11 1/2 oz. and measured 21 inches long at birth. — Youngsville Corresp.

Fifty years ago on December 16, Myrtle Sager and Frank Zurawski were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Liberty by the Rev. Henry B. Krusa. They were honored at Bernie's Holiday in Rock Hill 50 years later at a gathering hosted by the bride's sister and maid of honor, Kathy Sager. Frank's brother and best man, Walter Zurawski, was among those making the evening so special.

Eileen (Norris) and Albert Leander Robertson of Swan Lake and their son and daughter-in-law, Roy L. and Julia (Dugan) Robertson of Medford, Ore., celebrated their respective 50th and 25th wedding anniversaries with a party at Silvio's at the Jeffersonville Inn on August 19. The elder Robertsons were married December 3, 1950 at the Liberty Presbyterian Church. The younger Robertsons were married August 16, 1975 in Las Vegas, Nev.

10 Years Ago - 2011

The famous Munson Diner is charming enough for supporting roles in TV and movies, but her most recent operator Mark Moore of Monticello was forced to close the doors due to financing struggles. Even though his coffee was good, his apple dumplings gained fans and his chili won awards, financial realities and other issues pressed hard on Moore.

While eminent domain wrangling continues in court over the Swinging Bridge, Cliff Lake and Toronto reservoirs, the Monguap Falls and Rio reservoirs in Sullivan County have been purchased by Eagle Creek Renewable Energy LLC. Eagle Creek, a Morristown, NJ based company, officially acquired the reservoirs and their hydroelectric facilities at the end of January.

Eldred Central School announced the school's seven winners in the Scholastic Art Awards Regional Competition. Senior Morgaine Flanigan took a Silver Key award in Photography; Junior Devyn Halter took a Gold Key award in Photography; Senior Emily Campanella took a Gold Key award in Photography; Junior Kyle Derry took a Silver Key in Drawing; Sophomore Anja Loughman took a Gold Key award in Painting and Senior Nick Mehedin was awarded two Silver Key awards and one Gold Key award in Photography.

A fire broke out at the Monticello Winery with firefighters responding to the scene at 3:45 p.m. and did not leave until 11 p.m. as the fire burned for close to seven hours. About three or four workers were in the building when the fire broke out, but they managed to get out and greeted the firemen as the trucks rushed to the scene. Firefighters considered the building a total loss after the fire.