The ‘‘Our towns’’ column is compiled each month by Carol Johnson of the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection. The entries have been copied from the March issues of the New Paltz Independent. To get a closer look at these newspapers of the past, visit the staff of the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection at the Elting Memorial Library at 93 Main Street in New Paltz, or call 255-5030.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Poucher have had a radio installed at their home on Main Street. Police Sergeant Williams visited his father Dennis Williams this week and made him a present of a radio set.
At a caucus held on Monday evening, Mach 3, 1924, in this village, Mr. C.C. Ward was unanimously nominated as President [Mayor] of New Paltz. As there was no opposition, he will undoubtedly be elected on March 18. The election of Mr. Ward means a great deal not only to Mr. Ward himself, but to the village as well. He has shown himself to be a man of high moral character, one who is deeply interested in the needs of New Paltz and its people, and who will, no doubt, do his best for all concerned. We look forward to his election with interest and wish him the best of success.
An announcement was made Tuesday to the effect that on Friday evening in the Normal Gym, Cecil B. DeMille’s most gripping romance of 1924 will be shown, viz: The Emancipation of Annie Splivens. It is realized that no student will think of missing this and arrangements are being made to accommodate 300 guests.
On Thursday morning the school was called together in the auditorium to greet the representatives of the Olympic games. Mr. van den Berg, happily introduced Mr. Saraka, one of the competitors at the next Olympics, who spoke entertainingly about the history of the games and their value. The school gave them an enthusiastic welcome and they were convinced that at the next Olympics the competitors would be cheered on by many students of the New Paltz Normal School.
The next meeting of the Parent Teachers Association will be held on April 1 at 3:30 p.m. at the Normal. All mothers interested are invited to be present.
Preparations are under way for a big celebration of the 300th anniversary of the settlement of New York State. The first settlers were mostly Walloons coming from what is now Belgium. Because they spoke the French language and were Protestants they have been in modern times classed with the Huguenots. In the early documents relating to New Paltz and the first settlers we never find the word “Huguenot” used. The church is called “the church of the Walloons,” the town is called “the town where the Walloons dwell” and Louis DuBois is called “Louis, the Walloon.” And it is our belief that the Wallkill was called the “Walloon’s kill” afterwards shortened to “Wallkill.”
What a wonderful opportunity is coming to this community in the celebration of the three hundredth anniversary of the coming of the Huguenot to America. Rich in historical legends, in age-old landmarks and in natural scenic beauty, New Paltz is the ideal spot for such a celebration. With the citizens of the town cooperating with the Normal, the New Paltz Pageant is an assured success. Representatives of the village and school met in the Memorial Library Monday evening and voted to be the assembling organization to carry out the work to present in June a pageant depicting the settlement of New Paltz.
Paul Raetz has been granted a patent on an egg crate. It is said that the crate filled with eggs can be thrown across a room without breaking a single egg.
The officers and men of the New Paltz Fire Department wish to take this opportunity of thanking the property owners of this village for the almost unanimous support given the fire apparatus proposition at the village election last Tuesday. The vote was 158 “Yes” and 21 “No.” To the 21 who voted “No” we want them to feel that the men of the department stand ready at all times to render them the same loyal service should the occasion arise. To the many people who have helped in any way we extend our deep appreciation.
On Saturday afternoon of this week at 2:30 p.m. the citizens of our village will be offered an opportunity to witness a demonstration and test of the new American-LaFrance Fire Apparatus and Pumper recently purchased by the village of Ellenville, N.Y. This demonstration will be under the direction of members of the Ellenville Fire Department who have kindly consented to conduct the same for our village officials. The first test will be given on Upper Main Street, near the Sunset Inn [Convenient Deli], another at the Fireman’s Building, and another at some point along the creek. The people of our community are invited to witness this demonstration. In purchasing a fire apparatus, it is good dope to profit by the experience of our neighbors.
Prominent Citizen Gone
The Village of New Paltz was inexpressibly shocked to learn of the death, Monday, March 24th; of David C. Storr, aged 72 years, at his residence on Oakwood Terrace. He is survived by his widow, and several children; one brother, Jesse Storr, of Cambridgeport, Mass; and one sister, Mrs. E.E. Bemis, of New York City. His death is a distinct loss to this community, in whose activities from the time he took up his residence here he has played a most prominent part.
In 1905 Mr. Storr moved from New York City to the John Carroll place which he had purchased and which is now owned and occupied by S.S. Halstead. He possessed remarkable ability to envisage business possibilities and had not been a resident of New Paltz very long before he acquired many acres of the choicest undeveloped building site property on the hill top east of the village. This he cut up into several hundred building lots, ran streets through, built sewer and water supply, and built scores of houses thereon, becoming in but a few years the largest property owner and taxpayer in New Paltz.
His interest was not alone confined to his real estate holdings. He was a member of the Fire Dept. He was instrumental in the organization of a Board of Trade and he became its president. He served as a trustee of the village. When the World War came and the Liberty Loans were launched. Mr. Storr worked night and day as president of the Liberty Loan Committee to fill the quota of New Paltz. Nor does this comprise a full statement of his activities. Anything that was for the best interest of New Paltz always found a firm adherent in him. The good of the community was uppermost in his mind. Not only would he give freely of his time and energy and ability but he was always a cheerful and generous contributor of money to any cause provided it could be proved to be worthy. David C. Storr did more toward the building up of New Paltz than any half dozen men combined before his time.
His great fore-sight helped make him what the world regards as a successful business man. His judgement was sound and his opinion was much sought and always freely given. He was kind-hearted and generous almost to a fault. In the passing of Mr. Storr the Village of New Paltz has lost not only its most enterprising citizen but one highly regarded by all with whom he came in contact; a man whose work for the development of New Paltz will always remain a respected land mark.
The funeral was held from his late residence on Oakwood Terrace Wednesday, March 26th, interment at New Paltz Rural Cemetery. The service was conducted by the Rev. Ernest Clapp and the bearers were: Easton Van Wagenen; Elting Harp; Henry Elting; Daniel Shaw; Chas. S. Harp and Dr. B.A. Reynolds.
Join the family! 
