130 Years Ago - 1894

Mrs. John Naylor died at her home in Bethel, Monday, aged about 55 years.

Mrs. Elizabeth Steiner died of pneumonia at her home below Jeffersonville, November 18. Her husband died thirteen years ago.

Mary, wife of Henry Rogler of Youngsville, died November 19, aged about thirty.

Mrs. Mary Jones died at her home in Scranton November 20, aged 25. She was the eldest daughter of Casper Fuhrer of Jeff.

The cooper shop of George W. Sipple of Mileses was burned with its contents Thursday night, November 8. The loss is estimated at $5,000. The sawmill, recently rebuilt, was recently destroyed by fire.

The county jail in Monticello contains four prisoners.

Peter Chelius, brother of our townsman Henry Chelius, has returned from Trout Brook to Roscoe.

We notice several turkeys roaming about the streets. Isn’t this a little risky on the part of the owner at this time of the year?

Tuesday morning the creek in the village of Jeffersonville was nearly frozen over. If the weather keeps on at this rate, we’ll have skating by Thanksgiving.

Charles Ranft, while out hunting for rabbits Friday, saw and shot at what he says was a black fox, but he couldn’t bring Mr. Fox down, as his gun was loaded for rabbits. Others who saw it claim it was a silver gray fox. 

Kenoza Lake — Johnnie Moulthrop of this place is the champion hunter. Not long ago his dog started a rabbit, which ran a short distance and stopped, evidently frightened at a large blacksnake which it saw in front of it. As it stopped, Johnnie fired and just as he did the snake raised its head and the same shot killed both the rabbit and the snake.

120 Years Ago - 1904

An event of unusual sadness took place at Cochecton Sunday when Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Porr were buried. Mr. Porr died Thursday and Mrs. Porr on Friday.

Winter set in last Sunday with a fall of snow a foot deep.

Gus Schmidt on Friday found his best cow lying dead in the lot, choked to death by an apple lodged in its throat.

Miss Daisy Bogardus of Sidney, daughter of the late James Bogardus of Jeffersonville, was married November 8 to Guy Harold Kinch at his home in Walton.

Theodore Hust of Ferndale and Miss Albertina L. Bauernfeind of Beechwoods were married November 8 at Hortonville by Rev. S. Muery.

The body of Eli Keesler of Cochecton,  supposed to have been drowned from a raft which he was running down the Delaware River on November 3, has not yet been recovered.

Sullivan County Brewery and Hotel. Echte Deutsche Bierwithchaft. Strictly Pure Malt and Hops, without drugs. Joseph Mueller, Obernburg, N.Y. — ADV.

Anderson & Eickhoff, North Branch. Ladies Fur Boas at all prices; Cranberries at 10 cents a quart; Grapes, 12 cents a lb. All kinds of Horse Blankets and Genuine Bearskin Robes. Piano and Organs. All kinds of poultry wanted. — ADV.

110 Years Ago - 1914

The new state garage law, the requirements of which are considered to be over stringent, goes into effect December 1. The law, which was brought about through the efforts of the state fire marshal, provides that all garages must be absolutely fireproof.

Thanksgiving turkeys are selling at 20 to 22 cents a pound, live weight, and 24 to 25 cents dressed.

The smooth frozen roads have made work for the blacksmith in the horseshoeing line. Last Friday and Saturday, the village blacksmith, Ed Manny, and his assistant, Carl Seelig, shod 55 horses.

Josiah Deuner, a lifelong resident of Beechwoods, died at his home there Friday, aged 74 years.

Mrs. Caroline Heinle Vogel died November 18 at her home at Cochecton Center, aged 62 years. Mrs. Vogel was a sister of Wm. F. and Rudolph B. Heinle of Cochecton.

100 Years Ago - 1924

Tuesday morning when Mrs. Ida Acklam of Bethel was filling an oil lamp alongside the stove in her home in Bethel village, the bottom of the lamp broke away, the kerosene caught fire from the stove, her clothing was ignited and she was badly burned from the knees to her head.

The barn of John Myers, east of Kenoza Lake, was burned early Monday morning by fire caused by the exploding of a lantern which Mr. Meyers was using in the barn to do his early morning chores.

The annual dinner of the Callicoon Fish and Game Club will be held Saturday evening, December 6, at the Kenoza Falls House. W.C. Fuhrer, who successfully managed the big feast last year will again be in charge.

Investigation by Policeman John Reyman from Monticello Friday disclosed a previous unsuccessful attempt had been made to set fire to the White Sulphur Springs summer home of Sam Salsburg of Patterson. Local men discovered the house ablaze Thursday night. Breaking through the door, they found flames spreading in several parts of the house, which had been boarded up and left by the owner in September. The fire was extinguished.

As a special meeting recently the members of the Hortonville Grange voted to reject the proposal to rent the hall to an organization of the Klan that is being formed here.

90 Years Ago - 1934

Miss Thelma E. Neiger, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Neiger of Kenoza Lake, and Frederick E. Wollmer were married on November 17.

The GLF has bought of the Woodman estate the gristmill at Hortonville, which has not been operated for a number of years.

James Robisch, well-known and highly esteemed Beechwoods farmer, died at his home last Thursday, November 15, in his 92nd year. Mr. Robisch was born in Bavaria, Germany, and at the age of 15 came to America alone and to the home of his sister, Mrs. John Glassel of Beechwoods. At the age of 18, he enlisted in 1861 in the Civil War, a volunteer in the Fifth New York Infantry, and was honorably discharged in 1861, because of a wound sustained in the Seven Days battle.

Mr. and Mrs. William Schweizer celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on November 17.

Prices of food advertised are: Leg of Lamb, 25¢ lb.; Pot Roast of Beef, 15¢ lb; Chopped Meat, 10¢ lb.; Smoked Callas, 18¢ lb.; Pork Loin, 20¢ lb.; Homemade Pork Sausage, 20¢ lb.

80 Years Ago - 1944

Mrs. Albert Felske (Katherine Schadt) at Jeffersonville received word from the War Department in November that her husband has been a prisoner in Germany since August 12. Nick was formerly manager of the chain store in South Fallsburg.

Conrad H. Ruppert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad P. Ruppert of Jeff RFD, has been made a second lieutenant in the Army Ordinance Corps.

Louis Mall and bride (Susanna Schwartz) were given a serenade at their apartment in the Grishaber building Thursday night.

Emmett Turner Post, American Legion of Jeff, is sending Christmas greeting cards to all servicemen in the post’s area.

Mrs. Mary A. Ernst, widow of Michael F. Ernst, died Wednesday, November 15, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Benjamin LeRoy in Callicoon.

Don’t Squeeze — Sign on a basket of peaches at the grocers. “Do not squeeze me until you own me.” That might be a good sign for some other peaches to carry – that is those that don’t want to be squeezed – until “owned.”

Advice to Christmas Shoppers: Here is noteworthy advice to Christmas present buyers. In buying a present for a girl, give something she can wear. Give a boy something he can eat.

70 Years Ago - 1954

There are a number of cases of chicken pox in town including some adults.

A school bus carrying 19 children to the Liberty School Wednesday morning, turned over injuring two of its passengers.

Clear weather Monday opened the big game season for Sullivan County.

Sullivan County has lost one of its greatest men, Cornelius Duggan, M.D., more than just the typical country doctor. He inspired faith and confidence to all who knew him. Dr. Duggan died, peacefully, in his sleep at his home in Bethel Tuesday night.

A daughter, Roberta, was born November 6th to Mr. and Mrs. Irving Feigenbaum at Maimonides Hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Wohltjen are the parents of a son, Robert John, born at Loomis Hospital November 8.

A new addition arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kurey of Youngsville, James Joseph, born November 12 at Loomis Hospital.

Henry Gorr formerly of Jeffersonville, and Dora Goodale, both of Binghamton, were married Tuesday of this week. Attending the couple were Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Beiling of Jeffersonville.

Lloyd Canfield of Cochecton had the misfortune to have his right hand badly mangled in his corn picker last week when he was cleaning out corn husks while the machine was running.

Melvin Bauernfeind and Harvey Buddenhagen were two of the lucky deer hunters from this area. Six hunters of the Joe Brook Hunting Club also shot deer.

Carolyn Williamson of Kenoza Lake celebrated her birthday last Thursday with a party after school. Her guests were Carol Theis, Evelyn Mielke, Patricia Meyers and Minerva Wales.

The 10th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Young was celebrated at their home in Jeffersonville last Saturday. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. George Kurey, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Muccino, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McAllister, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Harder and Mrs. Lynn Sander.

60 Years Ago - 1964

Hortonville will virtually be wiped off the map next Thursday night. It will be a simulated four-hour Civilian Defense drill for all service chiefs of the Sullivan County Civilian Defense organization.

Anthony Sedletsky of Swan Lake RD died in the Hamilton Avenue Hospital in Monticello. He had been severely injured when his tractor turned over on him while he was working on his farm, Monday, November 9th.

James, the 21/2-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fenton Calkins of Kenoza Lake, died on his way to the office of Dr. Edward Miller in Jeffersonville.

The name of Sullivan Surplus in Liberty has been changed to “Sullivan’s.” The Liberty store, owned by Irving and Sidney Shapiro, was started 16 years ago in an unheated wooden barn of 2,000 square feet. The Shapiro brothers have expanded their business to over ten times the original size.

James Gottschalk, supervisor of the Town of Fremont, was appointed jury commissioner by the three-member Jury Board. The Jury Board  which gave Mr. Gottschalk his appointment was comprised of Supreme Court Justice William Deckelman of Jeffersonville, Joseph Raffa, Neversink supervisor, and County Judge Benjamin Newberg.

Miss Alice Faye, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Tyler of Narrowsburg, and Paul Foster, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Foster of Barryville, were married Saturday, November 14.

Miss Veronica Mungeer of Brooklyn and Donald A. Keeler of Youngsville were married in Brooklyn on October 24 at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church.

Miss Beverly Cinn Theis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Theis of Cochecton, became the bride of Charles F. Coots November 7th at the White Lake Presbyterian Church of Bethel.

Airman John W. Hofmann Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hofmann of White Sulphur Springs, has been selected for technical training as an air policeman at Lackland AFB, Texas.

November 16, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Sherman VanDuzer of Livingston Manor.

Keith James, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs.William Brennan, was baptized Sunday, November 15, at St. George’s Church in Jeff.

Edward I. Wood of Jersey City was killed in a one-car auto accident Saturday night on the new portion of Route 17B between White Lake and Fosterdale.

Martin Sator died at his home in Hankins November 13, at the age of 66.

Edith Hubert, a native of Jeffersonville, died November 14 at the age of 82.

November 13, a daughter was born to 2nd Lt. and Mrs. Richard Bihler.

50 Years Ago - 1974

Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Stabbert of Callicoon announce the engagement of their daughter, Billie Ann, to Peter E. Finch of Peekskill.

Vincent Zanetti was elected to board membership of the Board of Directors of the United National Bank on Novembr 12, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Mr. Alfred Long.

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Schaefer of Lake Huntington were honored guests on the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary at a dinner held at Woodloch Pines, Hawley, Pa., on November 16.

At the recent National Convention of the American Junior Hereford Association, held October 19-20 in Kansas City, Miss Amy Andersen of Long Eddy was elected to a three-year term as director of the AJHA Board of Directors. Amy is in her second year at Cornell University majoring in animal husbandry with a minor in cooperative extension. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Andersen.

40 Years Ago - 1984

An additional 1600 feet of space will provide for news and production studios as well as a new main studio and office space at the site of WVOS in Liberty. Fire last April destroyed much of the facility and the completed job is expected to be done in December.

Schmidt Wholesale, Inc., is celebrating 30 years in business. Started in 1954 by Fred and Dot Schmidt, Mrs. Schmidt is now assisted in the business by her son, Gary.

Mrs. Evelyn Laverty and Irving C. Robsich, both of Jeffersonville, were married October 27 in the Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church.

Ellen Mary Gottlieb, formerly of Livingston Manor and Lamar Dodd Spradley were married August 12 in Dayton Beach, Fla.

Pamela Anne Johnson of Equinunk, Pa., and Clement Conklin Jr. were married in  the Otisville Mount Hope Presbyterian Church on August 18.

Miss Anna Marie Andersen of Long Eddy and John Rosello of Maspeth were united in marriage in September at the First Presbyterian Church in Cherry Valley.

The Honesdale Hornets are on their way to the state playoffs this week following a defeat of West Side Friday night. The win gave Honesdale a 7-0 record.

John Bargfrede, vice-chairman of the Sullivan County Republican Party, died  Sunday at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. He was 68.

The 1984-85 Magician of the Year Award was recently won by Glenn Hester of Callicoon. He works for the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department. Last summer he entertained youth at the New York State Sheriff’s Association summer ranch at Norwich with “Police Magic,” a program authorized by County Sheriff Joseph Wasser to teach that crime doesn’t pay.

30 Years Ago - 1994

The first contender for the future nine-member Sullivan County Legislature has stepped forward to announce his candidacy. Chris Cunningham, 32, of Bethel, issued a statement earlier this week of his intentions to run for legislator of District #1, which encompasses the towns of Bethel, Cochecton and Delaware.

Rev. Donna Lepsky officiated at a dedication ceremony featuring the clock in the tower of the United Methodist Church in Liberty. The church tower was built in 1827 and the clock was installed in 1924, the gift of Roscoe Crary. Dr. George Freer became interested in the preservation of the clock and provided money in his will as “a clock fund” in memory of his wife. 

Margery Walker was guest of honor at a dinner which recognized her for 50 years service as organist at the Woodridge Methodist Church. A dinner was held at the church hall on October 22. Miss Walker was presented with a chain and a G cleft charm from the members of the congregation.

Jason Farrow of Monticello recently spent a month in Australia where he competed in the World Master’s Championship and World Senior Games. A weightlifter, he competed in the Master’s and earned a silver in the snatch (187 lbs.) – converted from the metric weights), a bronze in the clean and jerk (231 lbs) and a silver overall (418 lbs.) Farrow took a bronze overall with a 187-237-424 at the Senior Games.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey officially squeaked to victory over  Republican challenger Bob Moppet when the final ballots were counted Saturday.

Kimberly Klimchok, daughter of Edward and Lynne Klimchok of Kenoza Lake, became the bride of Jeremy Peck of Roscommon, Mich., on October 15.

Joseph Loturco of Jeffersonville shot a nice 8-point buck that measured 57 1/2 points in the Democrat’s Big Buck Contest and had an 18-inch spread. Oliver Brooks of Livingston Manor leads the contest with an 8-pointer that he took on the first day. 

The Delaware Valley Eagles were defeated, 19-12 in the state semi-finals when they played Rensselaer. 

20 Years Ago - 2004

The board of Interfaith Outreach United (IOU) in Callicoon gave out 77 turkey dinners on Monday to needy families who live within 15 miles of Callicoon. The boxes came with all the fixings for a true holiday meal – from the turkey to the cranberry sauce, potatoes to dessert. Volunteers truly make the annual turkey drive successful, said IOU president Herb Bauernfeind.

There were treasures hidden in the White Sulphur Springs Firehouse Saturday, just waiting to be discovered. The 6th annual WJFF Music Sale drew a crowd of vinyl lovers who were chomping at the bit to get at the 40,000 record collection donated to the Jeffersonville non-profit radio station for this year’s holiday fundraiser. The station drew in $4,500 that day.

Catskill Regional Medical Center recently acquired a GE 16 Slice LightSpeed Pro CT Scanner, an advanced technology that is helping to change the fact of CT diagnostics.

SSgt. Joseph Starner, an athlete from Narrowsburg High School, is now serving as an airman in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. He has been deployed since the end of July in Iraq.

Sgt. Catalin D. Dima, 36, a resident of White Lake, and a member of the 411th Engineer Brigade of the U.S. Army, died in the service of his country on November 13, 2004 in Baghdad, Iraq. Dima spent nearly 11 months in Iraq, earning such honors as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

10 Years Ago - 2014

Dennis Schaefer is a man who cannot pass up a good graveyard in need of a helping hand. Schaefer, born in Jeffersonville, spent most of his working life as a lineman for utility companies.  But in later years, Schaefer has become the hero of local cemeteries. Most recently, it was the Presbyterian Church’s eldest of three graveyards in Jeffersonville.

“The graves here are mostly from the 1860s,” Schaefer says, “although there’s a couple from the 1850s. Supposedly, there were 120 people buried here, but over the years, a lot of the stones have disappeared.”

Other stones, it turns out, were buried beneath the soil.With church permission, Schaefer spent a good part of this past summer carefully shoveling out and repairing headstones. Schaefer had some help from Jim Hughson, who, in scraping silt and gravel deposited by this past July’s flood, came upon about a dozen missing headstones below the surface.

Family and friends of former Fremont Town Councilmen John B. “Jack” Niflot and Paul E. Brustman gathered at the town hall in Fremont Center to welcome two plaques in the deceased board members’ honor. Brustman’s plaque will be installed at the Bjorklund Field ballfields just down the road, while Niflot’s plaque will be positioned next to the old Delaware Valley Central School bell that Niflot had originally rescued and brought to the town hall.