The ‘‘Our towns’’ column is compiled each month by Carol Johnson of the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection. The entries have been copied from the July 1925 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.
The bass season opened on Wednesday, and many of our local fishermen went fishing in the Wallkill. Bruce Bennett and Elting Harp together made a day’s catch of ten. Uncle John and Fred Deyo started out after a day’s work was over and landed two bass, six catfish and almost a snapping turtle. The turtle was in a bad temper they helped it get away.
Many people have been taking advantage during the hot spell of the bath houses along the Wallkill. On the fourth of July the occupants of twenty cars enjoyed a cold plunge.
On Monday afternoon we had a good hard shower in New Paltz. But in some parts of the county the storm is said to have been the worst within the memory of the oldest inhabitants, says the Freeman. Harry Relyea of Accord was struck and instantly killed by lightning while at work on the farm of Daniel Schoonmaker. The rain in some places was like a cloud burst, with terrific wind and hailstones about an inch or more in size. The storm passed through the fruit belt. From Ulster Park south there was enormous damage. The grape crop was practically wiped out and apple trees were ruined by the hail stones. Cherries were knocked from the trees and other small fruits and vegetables damaged. Tomato and cucumber vines were cut off.
G. Wurts DuBois has again leased his building on Main Street to the Post Office Department for the post office. Under the new lease new equipment is being installed which includes all lock boxes. The old-style call boxes are being discontinued. All people holding a lock box are required to acquaint themselves with the combination. This will enable them to get their mail at any time when windows are closed. Patrons wishing children to get their mail are asked to teach them the combination also. Clerks may hand out mail from lock boxes occasionally, but they are not required to do so. The general delivery of a post office is for transients and the traveling public. Residents of a town are requested by the post office department to rent a box.
On Monday at the close of the day the trolley cars ceased running after not quite 28 years of service, and the trolley became the property of the state. Tuesday morning removed any fears that the village would be left stranded, without transportation to the river. There were buses run by the VanGonsic Brothers and by Mr. Cahill. Late Tuesday forenoon a line was added by the Elliott Brothers.
At about 4:30 p.m. another bus was added by John DuBois of Marlborough. On Wednesday still another bus from New Jersey was put on by the VanGonsics. And there is a truck, a freight service run by the Farmer’s Trucking Company in connection with the Central Hudson Steamboat Company. The mail is carried by Mr. Cahill.
The well-known Roelif Eltinge farm consisting of 285 acres, located three miles east of New Paltz, along the state road between New Paltz and Highland, was sold last Wednesday through Elting Harp’s Land Agency to Mr. Messmer of Newark, N.J., who intends to take immediate possession and develop this immense track in bungalow and other small parcels to sell, after keeping for himself the fine old homestead and sufficient grounds adjoining.
Principal van den Berg announces an enrollment of 252 students at the summer school. Last year there were 218. This year 21 counties of the state are represented. The student body is made up largely of experienced teachers, although there are a few of our regular Normal School students, who, because of entering in February may by two summers attendance complete their work so as to graduate with their class in June. In addition to the benefit of having the students in town, the school afford our village people and summer guests the advantage of hearing excellent musical talent as represented by the concerts of July 30 and August 11.
Arrangements have been made with a New York firm to take aerial pictures of the Mohonk House and surrounding property. An airship circling Sky Top and passing within a few feet of the wharf and porches is an enjoyable and novel sight.
Mr. Pellar, head gardener at Mohonk. and a corps of men have been busily engaged on Sky Top lately, beautifying the grounds around the new Memorial Tower. Grass seed has been sown, shrubs and different plants placed, which will add to the attractiveness of one of Mohonk’s favored locations.
C. Hepworth of Marlborough recently received 30 cents a pint from Frost & McNab for a shipment of raspberries of the new Latham variety. This is a record-breaking price.
Satisfactory progress is being made on the Poughkeepsie approach to the Mid-Hudson Highway Bridge. Houses on South Water Street and Church Street have been torn down, and work will soon begin on the Front Street span. Work will be rushed in order to make it possible to lay the corner stone next fall.
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