130 Years Ago - 1896

Apples seem to be a “step-child” this year with many being left in the orchards to rot. Krenrich is packing some for the farmers with the understanding that they are to take what the market quotations allow, which, at the present prices and after cost of barrel, the packing, freight, cartage and commission is deducted, is about 27 cents a barrel for the fruit. Will Lawrence is filling a few orders and paying fifty cents a barrel.

Valentine Maus of the Beechwoods has sold his farm of thirty-four acres to Mrs. Elizabeth Baum of the same place for $1,200.

James D. Leroy of White Sulphur Springs and Jeanette McKean of Middletown were married at the M.E. Parsonage in Sidney October 7th.

120 Years Ago - 1906

W.H. Lawrence of Jeff has bought of P. McDermott a piece of land from the lot on the east side of the Durr Road. The lot has a frontage of 400 feet on the Main Road and extends back to the Durr Road. Lawrence bought on speculation.

A quiet home wedding took place at the Kenoza Dell House of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Welch Sunday evening when their daughter, Adeline L., was united in marriage with Frederick C. Hahn.

H.S. Allison, former editor of the Callicoon Democrat, who is now sojourning with his wife at Willowemoc, lost his way going home through the woods the other night and wandered all through the night. His clothes were torn to rags by the time he finally reached home.

The stork visited at the home of Frank Dillemuth and his wife yesterday morning.

Callicoon – Ground was broken Monday for the new brick business building to be erected between the Delaware House and Dr. Kamp’s home by Stephen Sawyer, proprietor of the Delaware House. The building will be 20x40 feet and two stories, with Knapp Bros., bankers, on the first floor and other offices on the second floor.

110 Years Ago - 1916

Rev. Samuel Muery, who for thirty-five years supplied the Reformed Churches of Hortonville, Jeffersonville, Youngs­ville, North Branch and Mileses until his retirement five years ago, died of paralysis at the home of his son-in-law, Joseph Alpy, in Jeffersonville.

William LeRoy sold his 52-acre farm on the hill northeast of this village, together with the farm stock and implements, to Anton Schwartz of New York for between $3,000 and $3,500.

Alice Metzger, the first and only poliomyelitis case in Jeffersonville, is getting along nicely and her complete recovery with no ill effects is expected.  The school here is still closed this week, thanks to the unwarranted quarantine of the State Board of Health.

Town Superintendent of Highways John Werlau of Delaware is getting ready to build a piece of stone road on the Beechwoods Road from the Mages woods to J.F. Neiger’s or as far as the $500 appropriation will reach.

Miss Daisy LeRoy of Jeffersonville and Frederick Mathern of Swiss Hill were married at the Kenoza Lake parsonage Sunday afternoon.

100 Years Ago - 1926

When Mrs. Mina Hasbrouck of Jeffersonville applied in the surrogate’s court at Monticello last Monday for the final judicial settlement of her account as administratrix of the estate of her husband, the late August Hasbrouck, a number of relatives of the husband, through their counsel, gave notice of their appearance preliminary to a contest of the account.

Mrs. Martha Scheidell reached her seventy-fifth anniversary last Saturday, October 25, when she was showered with felicitations and floral tokens from relatives and friends.

The man whose energies don’t take the form of talk usually accomplishes more.

Mrs. Marie Ferguson of Lake Huntington, whose marriage to Stephen Wormuth is to take place very soon, was the surprised recipient of two showers last week.

Al Fulshire and Herbert Hassis have returned from a visit to the city. Herb, we understand, will work for Fred Dedling, the plumber, and Al will return to the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the city.

The capacity of the village supply reservoir has been increased by the washing out of a large quantity of mud and other deposits. This was accomplished by aid of the fire truck and several firemen who worked all day Sunday.

90 Years Ago - 1936

Miss Catherine M. Schaefer, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur F. Schaefer, became the bride of Herbert Gute, at St. Mary’s Church, Obernburg, on Saturday, October 17th.

Harry Hartig of Livingston Manor, employed in the WPA offices in Binghamton, won $500, the highest prize offered in the world series baseball pool.

Supervisors Fred W. Hessinger of Callicoon Center and Lawrence Milk of Hortonville were returning from a board meeting at Monticello when the Pontiac sedan, owned and driven by Mr. Milk, became involved in an accident at Gus Neuberger’s. Mr. Hessinger sustained a sprained ankle and Mr. Milk a cut on the head.

A son, Daniel Frederick, was born to Mr. and Mrs. John Sickmiller at the Callicoon Hospital on October 20.

T.F. Archer, Jamaica auctioneer and owner of several properties in this section, sold his hotel building in Livingston Manor at auction Monday and it was bought by a Liberty man. The building, we understand, has been condemned and hence the owner decided to sell. A  modern building will probably be erected.

80 Years Ago - 1946

Mrs. Katherine Bird has sold her house and one acre of land on the Swiss Hill Road to Roy Crandall, contractor, below this village, who plans to make the Bird place his home.

What is Politics? It is the most promising of all careers; it has two sides and a fence; it’s where the path of glory leads but to the grave. Politics make strange bed-fellows, but they soon get used to the same “bunk.” In politics, be sure you are right, then go ahead. Many a man has gone into politics with a fine future and come out with a terrible past. If you think politics is easy, try sitting on a fence while keeping one ear to the ground. The man who goes into politics as a business has no business to go into politics.

On Saturday, October 19, Miss Florence Steubel, daughter of Max and Anna Steubel of Callicoon Center, and Henry Michel, son of William and Martha Michel of  Hurd, were married at the Lutheran Church in Jeff.

Beginning Sunday, November 3, John and Anne Mages will operate the kitchen facilities at Bucky’s Inn.

George R. Anderson, Robert Kautz and Harold Kespert left Sunday to enter Sampson College for four years in electrical engineering. All three young men served in the navy.

Miss Ruth Brehm and Francis Fink were united in marriage October 12 at St. Joseph’s in Callicoon. Miss Eleanor Hess, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hess,  Hortonville, and John J. Smith were married Saturday, October 2, also at St. Joseph’s in Callicoon.

Miss Leota Deighton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Deighton, and Paul Hermann, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Hermann, both of Callicoon, were united in marriage at the Callicoon Methodist Church, October 20. The Rev. Floyd Sheely, who had performed the bride’s parents’ wedding ceremony, officiated, assisted by Rev. Morris Husted, pastor of the local church.

70 Years Ago - 1956

The 36th Annual Firemen’s Supper and Dance was the greatest ever in Jeff – 1300 were served. Not only did the neighborly crowd eat long and often, they danced until 3 a.m.

Miss Janice Schaefer and Mr. Natalio Crespo were married at St. George’s in  Jeff.

Frank Nolde of Middlebury, Vt., Daniel Sickmiller of Cornell, Art Rittershausen of Rochester Institute, Victor Clifford and Sondra Epstein of New Paltz all spent the weekend at their parental homes.

Mrs. Martha  Dinnebiel received a message from President Dwight Eisenhower after she had sent him a birthday card. “For your birthday greetings, I am truly grateful. Thank you, not only for remembering me, but also for letting me have your helpful comments. Dwight D. Eisenhower.”

Mr. and Mrs. John Wehner and daughter Ruth paid their annual visit to Jeff to attend the firemen’s supper, spending the weekend with their daughter, Mr. and Mrs. George Baumgardt.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. William Schaefer on their 55th wedding anniversary and to Mr. and Mrs. August Schmidt on their 20th.

Alfred Stephenson, 44, of Bethel, died as the result of an accident at his home when a blow torch exploded in his hands, burning him severely. He died at Liberty-Loomis Hospital the next day.

A daughter, Kelly Mae, their fourth child, was born to Mr. and Mrs. George Keeler of Youngs­ville on October 13.

Mrs. Laura Abplanalp of Youngs­ville died suddenly last Thursday. She was treasurer of the school district.

Mr. and Mrs. Karl Spielmann and sons drove to Manchester, Conn., on Friday and visited the John Vogel family. While there they celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary.

60 Years Ago - 1966

Open House in honor of Mr. and Mrs. William Schaefer of Jeffersonville will be held October 23 to observe their 65th wedding anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Henke of Callicoon celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary with a gathering of family and friends on October 14.

Mr. and  Mrs. Orville Whitmore of Callicoon announces the engagement of their daughter, Beverly Ann, to Lester Hillriegel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester  Hillriegel of Callicoon RD 1.

A meeting was held October 18 in Hermann Hall at the Delaware Youth Center, in an effort to solve the dilemma of health care for Callicoon and the surrounding areas which have relied on the services of the Callicoon Hospital. The Grover Hermann Foundation has pledged $400,000 and Mrs. Charles Kautz has pledged $100,000 toward the construction of a new facility. Funds are also available through the Hill-Burton Law for federal funding in the amount of $300,000.

The First Baptist Church of Damascus, Pa., held dedication services for the new education annex on Friday, October 21.

A new building to provide housing for  21 patients, manager’s quarters and doctor’s offices was dedicated October 15 at the Recreation Farm in Fosterdale. The society is a division of the Workmen’s Benefit Fund and operates the farm for its members’ benefit.

50 Years Ago - 1976

Joseph E. Fersch, Liberty resident, celebrates his 55th year with Sullivan County National Bank, which he guides as chairman of the board. He started as an errand boy, earning twelve dollars a week, at the age of 17.

LuAnne Hatton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hatton of Youngsville, and Charles Youmans, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Youmans of Neversink, were married October 2 at the Community Reformed Church in Youngsville.

The body of Arthur Woodchek which was swept away in last week’s raging Delaware River, has not as yet been recovered.

The 25th anniversary of the Delaware Free Library in Callicoon was celebrated last Sunday. There are 25 volunteers and head librarian Vera Tobin who keeps the library open 19 hours a week.

Helen Milk of Callicoon has been named President of the New York State Association of Jury Commissioners.

Mrs. Ruth Brockner of North Branch, a past matron of Lincoln Chapter #463, Jeffersonville, has been named District Deputy Grand Matron of the Delaware-Sullivan District Order of Eastern Star.

Mr. and Mrs. John Eldred were honored at a 40th anniversary party at the Damascus Baptist church annex Saturday. Over one hundred guests brought congratulation greetings.

Diane Marie Krantz of Jeffersonville and Edwin Paul Grund of Narrowsburg were united in marriage on October 2 at the First Lutheran Church of Jeffersonville.

40 Years Ago - 1986

The Kaaterskill Animal League’s Bowl-A-Thon was held Sunday afternoon at the Kiamesha Lanes. They hope to raise $5,000 when all money is counted. Showing that you are neither too young nor too old to bowl, Susan Bastone, 6, of Monticello and Ida Herman, 85, of Smallwood were among the participants.

Smallwood-Mongaup Valley, White Lake and Kauneonga Lake firemen battled a fire in the warehouse and garage of Tony Lubniewski, 100 yards from the Smallwood-Mongaup Firehouse. Firemen were able to pull a van from the building but thousands of dollars in equipment and supplies were lost in the blaze.

The Catskill Mountain Business and Professional Women, at its 8th annual dinner at Kutsher’s Country Club, will honor Selma Green as its “Woman of the Year.” Mrs. Green has been a member of the group since its first year and is a past board member. Hon. Matthew McHugh, 28th District Congressman, will be guest speaker.

Fred W. Stabbert III, son of Fred Stabbert Jr. and Shirley Stabbert, both of Callicoon, and Miss Regina Sullivan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Sullivan of Garden City, L.I., were married at a Nuptial Mass in St. Joseph’s Church in Long Island on August 16. They will live in Liberty.

Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Cooper of Youngsville celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on October 11 with a party at the Youngsville Firehouse. They were married October 12, 1926, in Dahlia.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hermann of Callicoon celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a party at the Delaware Community Center in Callicoon on October 11, hosted by their four daughters and families.

George Dudley of Youngsville has entered the first turkey in the Democrat Fall Turkey contest. Shot near the Youngsville area, the gobbler had a seven inch beard and weighed 17 1/4 pounds.

Robert “Bob” Pointer of Callicoon has been elected president of the Catskill Art Society. To serve with him as vice-president are Pearl Freed, Ann Higgins and Bob Longo; Irma Longo, treasurer; Barbara Katz as recording secretary. Mr. Pointer has served as a director of CAS for a year and is coordinator of the Senior Citizen Art Program where he has taught drawing and painting for the last three years as well as being director of the Artist of the Month Program.

The Hebrew Day School of Sullivan and Ulster counties honored former Tamarack Lodge owner Dave Levinson for his years of support to the world-wide Jewish community. The school is in its 32nd year of existence.

After 26 years on the job, Elizabeth Rhodes of Long Eddy retired from her job as postal clerk at the post office located there. She served as postmistress in 1969.

Phil Giustra will officially retire October 14 following a 20-year career as Monticello village treasurer. He was presented with a plaque in recognition of his services by Mayor Lou Harmin at the village board meeting.

30 Years Ago - 1996

Judge Robert C. Williams, who served as a New York State Supreme Court Justice for over 21 years, will receive the History Maker Award from the Sullivan County Historical Society at its annual meeting.

Allan Scott, presently serving as the Bethel Town Supervisor, has accepted a position at the county governmental level. Scott will be appointed as Deputy County Clerk on December 9.

The case against William C. Rosen and George Lahm, two of 15 defendants in a nine-year-old lawsuit filed by Joe DeFalco and others from Top of the World Estates in Callicoon, has been dismissed by U.S. District Court Judge Barrington D. Parker Jr.

The Catskill Mountain Business and Professional Women announce that Barbara Walter is the 1996 Woman of the Year. Also being honored is Damaris Rundle, Red Cross volunteer from Sullivan County.

Donna Rickard, daughter of Harold and Helen Eldred of Honesdale, Pa., became the bride of Kenneth Peters, son of Betty Peters of Callicoon, and the late Donald Peters, on April 20, 1996.

A 50th wedding anniversary party was held on October 13 for Walter and Lillian Neer of Long Eddy at the Hankins Fire Hall. Nearly 100 guests turned out for the affair including all the Neers’ children. 

Ralph Gandulla of Hurleyville recorded his second career 300 game recently while bowling in the Coors Light Commercial League at Kiamesha Lanes.

20 Years Ago - 2006

It’s the only place in the county where people will routinely – and legally – start fires. More than 50 officials, firefighters and police officers and EMS personnel converged on the new Sullivan County Fire Training Facility last week for its official unveiling. The facility has been in limited operation for the past three weeks but Thursday offered everyone the chance to tour the two buildings on the now-open 10 acres in Kauneonga Lake.

Academy Award-winner Corinne Marrinan visited Video Production I students at Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake last week for a Q&A session that focused greatly on her entry into Hollywood. The  Eldred native is an associate producer for CBS’ three popular CSI series and won an Oscar for Best Documentary earlier this year. Her “A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin” was screened that evening for students.

A large counterfeiting operation was knocked out of commission by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department this week, following a two-month investigation into seven reported incidents which brought in the United States Secret Service. About $22,000 in fake bills was recovered, some in uncut sheets. 

10 Years Ago - 2016

Yesterday’s little snowstorm was pretty to look at – but not so fun on the road. Although temperatures hovered around freezing all day, residents had to be careful on the roadways.

Kate Kirby and Michael Ahnstrom are thrilled to announce their engagement. Kate is the daughter of Mr. Beverly Kirby of Mechanicsville, Virginia and of the late Mrs. Talna Pettigrew of Richmond, Virginia. Michael is the son of Mr. Glenn Ahnstrom of Jeffersonville and of Mrs. Susan Bodenstein and David Bodenstein of Jeffersonville.

The Sullivan West Lady Bulldogs and their Coach Mike Ellmauer along with Assistant Coach Anthony Durkin were presented with the Section IX plaque following their historic 2-0 Class C Championship win over Webutuck. It was the first-ever girls soccer title win in school history.

Bethel resident Rich Klein hopes to portray the beauty of the area in his recently published photography book “The Catskills of Sullivan County: A Photographic Journey.” He is a member of the newly formed Bethel Council of the Arts.