130 Years Ago - 1894

Walter Woehner died at Callicoon, October 6, aged 1 year.

Roy, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Embler, former residents, died recently.

Mary, wife of James Kilcoin of White Lake, died October 15, aged 64 years. She was born in Ireland and came to America in 1848.

Gus Schmidt is prepared to grind your apples into cider while you wait at his mill, at the Jacob Wingert place, for a cent and a quarter per gallon.

Casper Reyman will sell his stock, farm tools, etc. at public auction on the John Reiman place about a mile north of Briscoe on November 10.

G.L. Russell of the Stevensville mill states that he has bought all the buckwheat he wants at present.

Workmen began digging for the reservoir of the water works Monday morning under the supervision of the president of the stock company. The latter was soon notified by Charles Scheidell to stop the work, but he heeded not. Mr. Scheidell expects to get out an injunction against the water company this week, after which he will bring an action against them to prove his right to the water privileges for damages. The trouble is this: Mr. Scheidell owns and operates a creamery adjoining the springs which the water company want to confine in a reservoir for the purposes of the company. These springs run from the premises of John Glassel on to Mr. Scheidell’s land and through it under his creamery. Mr. Scheidell has a separate spring on his own land which he has been using to operate the creamery, but he claims that it will not be sufficient to meet the demands of his increasing business under the separate system, and that he will have to utilize the water running under the creamery.

John Brining Jr. of Lake Huntington and Miss Hattie Pintler of Stevensville were married at the M.E. parsonage in Stevensville on October 16.

The creamery began making head cheese Wednesday in quantities of about 100 pounds a day. Cheese made today will not be ready for the market in less than about a month.

An Indian arrowhead was found on George Kortz’s flat by one of the family the other day. It is made of flint and is about the size of a silver dollar.

Heard up at the reservoir, “I’ll mention no names, Mike Murphy, but you’re not throwing that dirt up as high as O’Connor.”

120 Years Ago - 1904

Philip, 12-year-old son of William Heling, on the Durr Hill, is a victim of diphtheria. Leon, 9-year-old son of Oliver Hofer, has also become a victim of the disease.

Edward Boyle and Miss Libbie Long of Beechwoods were married Wednesday morning of last week at St. Joseph’s College, Callicoon.

The water supply of Charles Scheidell from the village system suddenly stopped last Saturday and the cause was not discovered until the service pipes were dug up and disconnected at the main, while an eel about two feet long was pulled out.

Martha, a 15-year-old daughter of David Worden of White Sulphur Springs, died Tuesday after an illness of several months.

Henry Krenrich went to New York Sunday to attend the funeral of his brother, Peter Krenrich, a resident of New York for many years.

Beechwoods: Willie Long, son of Alfred Long of this place, got the first finger of his right hand caught in a small cider press on Thursday.

A surprise party given William Allgeier Thursday night was largely attended. Gorr and Riechman of North Branch furnished music on the violin and accordion.

Twenty farmers of the Town of Fremont have formed a stock company and bought a full blooded four-year-old Belgian stallion weighing 1450 pounds.

Eight votes were cast at the annual election of the Jeffersonville Fire District Tuesday night. William Bollenbach was re-elected commissioner and Louis Faubel, treasurer.

110 Years Ago - 1914

New York, Oct. 22 — The silver wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Huebsch was celebrated last evening at Goetz’s Hall on Eighth Avenue by a large gathering of relatives and friends of the happy couple who are natives of Sullivan County and were married in Jeffersonville twenty-five years ago. Mr. Huebsch, who is a valued salesman for the liquor house of Sonn Brothers Company, spared no expense to destroy the drought and wine flowed like water.

Peter Huebsch, who was born in Beechwoods 50 years ago, died in New York, October 9.

Frank L. Nearing, born at Cochecton Center, died at his home in Tioga on October 18, at the age of 48.

Mrs. Daniel Meyer took her departure Tuesday to make her home in Van Nuys, Calif., where she had already had a bungalow erected.

Leonard J. Krum, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Krum of Jeffersonville, and Miss Catherine Gabriel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gabriel of Beechwoods, were married at the Presbyterian parsonage at 8 o’clock last evening by Rev. J. Karl Stadelmann. They were attended by Wm. E. Krum and Miss Elizabeth Gabriel.

The deer hunting season opens in Sullivan next Saturday for 15 days.

Conrad Knack, a former resident of Buck Brook, near North Branch, died last week at Thrall Hospital, Middletown, from injuries sustained in being severely burned while burning brush at his home near Denton, Orange County.

100 Years Ago - 1924

Snowflakes were seen in the air here Tuesday — not a cheerful reminder of what is to follow.

Postmistress Ida M. Kohler made her semi-annual trip over the rural route yesterday in the carrier’s “lemonzine” and she says she feels worse than after playing ball.

Hervey Pinney, aged 48, and a member of a well-known family in these parts, died suddenly of heart failure in the potato patch of his neighbor, William H. Clark, at Hurd in the Town of Bethel last Monday morning.

Butcher Oscar Will has been laid up the past week by blood poisoning in his leg.

 It is understood that Fosterdale is to lose its post office on account of the new rural route from Cochecton which passes through that hamlet and much feeling has been stirred up over the prospect.

William C. Moore, a former local boy, died in New York on Tuesday. The body will be brought to Jeffersonville for burial in the Moore plot in Jeffersonville.

The Klu Klux Klan held their first meeting in Jeffersonville last Thursday night in the Grange Hall which was well filled. Invitation cards had been sent out for the meeting, but all who appeared were admitted whether they had cards or not.

The government has started suit against Gunshot’s Cabaret at North White Lake to padlock it, for one year for alleged maintenance of a nuisance.

The ready cut and fit lumber for the new home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Seibert has arrived and is now being erected on a lot on Jefferson Avenue.

William H. Meyer and bride, nee Gertrude Goodman, returned home from their wedding trip, arriving at the Goodman home here Thursday, and that night were given a serenade of the old-fashioned kind.

At a meeting at the fire house Thursday night, the Callicoon Fish and Game Club elected Otto W. Meyer president and re-elected Charles F. Bergner of Callicoon vice president and Fred W. Schadt secretary-treasurer. The new president was authorized to select a committee for the annual club dinner. About thirty were at the meeting.

Christian Sander, in his 86th year, died at his home in the village at 1 a.m. last Sunday, following an extended illness from chronic heart affliction.

90 Years Ago - 1934

Word has been received here that Herbert Gute, the artist, who sailed recently for Syria with an art exploring expedition, was locked up in Marseilles, France, on suspicion of being a member of the organization responsible for the killing of King Alexander of Yugoslavia in France. Of course, Herb was innocent and he doesn’t even look as wild and suspicious as most artists. He was released as soon as his identity was proven.

Because the Roscoe post office failed to reach the required amount of business from January, 1933, to January, 1934, it is reduced from a second to a third class office and two employees lost their positions.

Mrs. Jacob Gonser and Mrs. Joseph Beebe of Valley Stream are still at Scranton  where Mrs. Gonser is in a hospital under treatment for a badly fractured arm, sustained in an automobile accident a couple weeks ago in Scranton. Mrs. Beebe, who received a broken wrist, is remaining in Scranton to keep her sister company.

DEATHS: Mary Speilman Muller, widow of William Muller, died at her home on East Hill, Youngsville, October 11, aged 77 years.

August Lott, aged 64, died at his home in Jeffersonville early Friday morning, October 12, of Hodgkin’s Disease, which affects the glands and other organs. Mr. Lott was born in Baden, Germany, and 46 years ago came to New York City where he was united in marriage May 6, 1906, with Anna Schwab, native of Wurtenburg, Germany. In 1919 he came to Fosterdale where he was manager of the Workmen’s Society Recreation Farm for two years. In 1921 he came to Jeffersonville and bought the Frank Jacobs house in the Delaware suburb.

Married: Miss Harriet Virginia Lindke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Lindke of Beechwoods Road, became the bride of Walter Granville Prince Jr. of Swan Lake at the Lutheran parsonage on October 14.

80 Years Ago - 1944

Charles Abplanalp, aged 19, in charge since August 1943 of the Huter farm, now owned by Dr. Adler of New York, died at the Callicoon Hospital October 14 from injuries sustained on October 5 when he was thrown off and run over by a homemade tractor, commonly known as a doodlebug.

Mr. and Mrs. John Bernhardt of Kenoza Lake received a telegraph on October 12 from the war Department stating that their son, Cpl. Ralph Bernhardt, was reported missing in action in France on September 23. Ralph went in the Army over two years ago and has been overseas since last summer.

Sgt. Emerson Bossley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bossley of White Sulphur Springs, returned last week from overseas duty. He received the oak leaf cluster and the distinguished Flying Cross and was cited by Gen Jimmie Doolittle for aerial operations in Germany.

70 Years Ago - 1954

St. George’s R.C. Church was the scene of the marriage of Miss Gladys Meader, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Irving Meader of Jersey City, N.J., to Libby Manzolillo, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Manzolillo of Elmhurst, L.I., last Saturday. The members of the wedding party in addition to the bride and groom were Mrs. Walter Cook, Barbara Peters, Mrs. William Forsbach, James Petro, Thomas Festa, Adam Siebert, Janice Forsbach and Thomas Manzolillo.

Miss Edna Fries, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fries of Youngsville, became the bride of Walter Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edsall Smith of Liberty, at the Reformed Church of Youngsville, October 16. The afternoon ceremony was performed by the Rev. John Carter.

Averill Harriman, Democratic candidate for Governor, was to speak at Monticello, October 26.

People from near and far attended the very successful firemen’s supper here last Saturday night in the new firehouse. Joseph Forsbach of Beechwoods roasted the 1263 pounds of turkey in the bakery ovens, while the firemen took over the cooking of the potatoes and vegetables. The Presbyterian Ladies Aid baked 175 delicious pies.

The very unlady-like Hazel whipped her way through the area last Friday night, uprooting trees and knocking out power lines.

Thirty persons were present at the first meeting of the newly formed Mothers Club of Our Lady of Angels School on the Briscoe Road last Tuesday.

The Callicoon Center Band will offer weekly classes to meet at the firehouse.

Former County Clerk Arthur N. Meyers, Narrowsburg, left Hamilton Avenue Hospital Tuesday where he had been confined since an auto accident at Mongaup Valley Friday.

Louis Steffens is spending some time in New York where he has been having X-rays taken. Mr. Pederson continues with the Lake Huntington business during his absence.

Mr. and Mrs. August Schmidt observed their 19th wedding anniversary on October 20. Mrs. Schmidt was a patient in Maimonides Hospital.

Registration in Sullivan County’s four election districts in 15 townships was 29,193.

60 Years Ago - 1964

Officers of the Sullivan County Medical Society were re-elected at the annual meeting in Liberty Maimonides Hospital on October 14. Dr. Edmund Rumble of Callicoon was named president.

On Friday, October 9, twenty area antique car owners of this locality took their annual drive to Hershey, Pa., for the antique car meet. Going were Mr. and Mrs. Nial Lindsley in their 1923 Model T, Mr. and Mrs. John Wagner and Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Soules in a 1930 Chevrolet, Mr. and Mrs. Milton Lindsley accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Warren Mall in a 1931 Model A. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Chellis in a 1930 Model A, Mr. and Mrs. Allan Kehrley and Mr. and Mrs. Pete Banks of Liberty in a 1930 Buick, and Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Lindsley of White Sulphur Springs in a 1930 Model A. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Bossley left a week earlier in their 1929 Ford going by way of Kentucky to visit old friends before meeting the rest of the group in Hershey.

Coast Guard Lieutenant j.g. Peter T. Muth, son of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Nakao of Jeffersonville, participated September 12 as a crew member aboard the Coast Guard cutter Osasco in the rescue of 33 merchant seamen from the fire ravaged freighter SS Globe Explorer in the Atlantic 260 miles southeast of New York.

The merchandise winner at Amber’s this week was Mary Ellen Fisk.

50 years ago - 1974

Scott Makela of Hankins was named most valuable player in the Mountain League at last Saturday’s banquet and dance honoring the Callicoon Cougars which was held at Woodloch Pines in Hawley, PA. Almost 200 fans and fellow players in the league honored the Division champions — the Callicoon Cougars.

Almost 300 supporters of Jacob Aks, Democratic Family Court Judge candidate, attended a county-wide rally for Mr. Aks at Kaplan’s Restaurant in Monticello last Thursday. Jean Amatucci, Assembly candidate, was also in attendance.

In a Great Pumpkin Festival, held at Callicoon’s Peter Pumpkin store, the largest pumpkin, an 85-pounder entered by Debbie Oleksa of Mileses, earned the young lady a first prize of $1 per pound. Fifty cents a pound was earned by runners-up Brad Swendsen of Damascus, 4 pounds; and Cindy Horizny of Lake Huntington, 83 1.2 pounds. Jean Mudge earned $5 for entering the smallest pumpkin.

Karen Lee Gorr and Timothy C. Smith, both of Livingston Manor, were married October 12 in St. Aloysius R.C. Church, Livingston Manor.

Gerald Mootz Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Mootz of Callicoon Center, has been promoted to Senior Associate Engineer, according to a recent announcement of IBM in Poughkeepsie.

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hess, residents at the Twin Pines Adult Home in North Branch, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on October 21. They attribute their long life to faith in God and faith in each other.

40 Years Ago - 1984

Brian T. Connors, assistant director of operations of Cablevision Industries, announced this week the purchase of cable lines in Western Sullivan County that will extend the company’s service into the villages of Callicoon, North Branch, Hortonville and eventually Hankins. According to Connors, takeover of the lines currently owned by Robert Hadley of Long Eddy and Richard Vogler of North Branch is set tentatively for December 28.

Job Corps, a unique program providing intensive educational and vocational  training to economically disadvantaged youth, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this month. The facility is located on the grounds of the former St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon. An open house is planned for October 24.

Herman and Kathy Stabbert of Obernburg recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They were married at St. Bonaventure R.C. Church in Jamaica, Queens, on October 14, 1944.

Janice Barker of Livingston Manor and Marvin H. Leroy of Liberty were married October 14, 1934, at the Livingston Manor Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Richard J. Heaphy performed the double-ring ceremony.

The 35th annual dinner of the Sullivan County Historical Society, Inc., was held in the legendary Harmonie Hall at the Western Hotel in Callicoon last Monday. Among those present were the oldest living president of the group, Lillian Krauss and her husband, Edward, the first vice president Delbert VanEtten and his wife, and the second vice president, Carl Salomon. A dramatic presentation of words and music of the Civil War was arranged by Mary Curtis, storyteller; folk singer Peter Osbourne, and narrator Janis McCann.

Phil Schweid, a 50-year resident and founder of The Pines Hotel in South Fallsburg, died Saturday in Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 83 years of age.

30 Years Ago - 1994

The Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County held its 80th annual barbecue and annual meeting on Tuesday. Coming for the special occasion were Van Travis Jr., the Regional Director of Southeast New York, Dr. William Lacy, the Cooperative Extension Director, and James Marion, the president of the Cooperative Extension Board of Directors. “This program in New York is one of the finest Cooperative Extension systems in the country,” said Lacy.

Sullivan County will get $550,000 to set up an entrepreneurial business center and revolving loan after a grant application filed by the Planning Department to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development yielded results. Specifically, the funds will allow the Village of Monticello to replace deteriorated water and sewer lines, create an enterprise loan program for small business development and build a handicapped ramp at the county courthouse, and allow the town of Thompson to extend a sanitary sewer line to the village treatment plant to correct problems caused by the use of private septic systems, according to Congressman Maurice Hinchey, who brought news of the award.

With the opening of a store in Jeffersonville, Peck’s Market now has four grocery stores in operation in Sullivan County: Narrowsburg, Callicoon and Livingston Manor. Bill Hess of Callicoon will be the manager.

Sheri Kuebler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Kuebler of Youngsville, has been selected to participate in the Miss New York Teen USA 1995 Pageant being held at the Friar Tuck Inn in Catskill the weekend of November 4-6.

20 Years Ago - 2004

A Monticello water park? RSN Developers, LLC, based in Long Island, recently made that proposal to the Village of Monticello Planning Board.

State Trooper Sergeant Jeffry Edelson was memorialized in front of the State Trooper’s barracks in Liberty on Friday. Edelson died after losing control of his car during the pursuit of a vehicle last November. Several troopers and community members spoke highly of the late trooper, who was regarded as a man with a good heart.

Yesterday’s ceremony in Liberty proved that one small step can indeed become a giant leap. Make that a huge LEAP. The Liberty Economic Action Project (LEAP) opened its office on Monday in front of a crowd of nearly 200 officials, residents and merchants.

Just in time for Halloween, Sullivan County Historian John Conway will be at the Liberty Library to talk about the county’s favorite ghost stories.

10 Years Ago - 2014

From a dozen years with the Sullivan County Attorney’s Office to his longtime legal representation of various towns to his repeated elections to his current post of County Treasurer, Ira Cohen was undoubtedly the most familiar face to thousands of locals. “There is nothing I enjoy more than public service and helping people,” he told the Democrat back in 2005, when he earned the Treasurer’s seat by way of more than 8,000 votes. Sullivan County lost that natural-born leader, teacher and unfailing supporter Sunday morning, when Cohen, 69, passed away at his home in Wolf Lake.

Liberty’s chicken war has people clucking and chuckling. Rumors about who keeps chickens are flying faster than newly decapitated hens. On October 14, those who wished to speak at the crowded Village of Liberty Board meeting got three minutes to express their views about chickens in the village.

A one-and-a half-year-old bull moose, which spent the better part of a month wandering from its Adirondack home to the foothills of the Catskills, was shot earlier this month as it charged a hunting party during the special Youth Deer Hunt weekend. Because there is no season on moose in New York, hunters are not allowed to shoot a moose unless the animal becomes aggressive. No one was hurt during the October 12 incident, the DEC said. The moose was taken by DEC officials to its Wildlife Pathology lab and the necropsy results are currently pending. DEC Regional Citizen Participation Specialist Wendy Rosenbach said that sometimes moose get brain worm, which causes them to act differently. The brain worm is not transferrable to whitetailed deer.