The ‘‘Our towns’’ column is compiled each month by Carol Johnson of the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection. The entries have been copied from the October 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 dried apple factory at Gardiner which has not been running for several years will open up again this fall.
Miss Dorothy J. Weaver of Clintondale, one of the contestants in the essay contest held in connection with the exhibit of old agricultural implements at the New York State Fair, was awarded one of the $5 prizes. The essays which pictured the improvements in farm machinery and compared the methods and implements of 100 years ago, with those in use today, were submitted by boys and girls 18 years old or under.
The Water Department is laying a new eight-inch pipe across the Wallkill. The old pipe will be left to be used in case of an emergency.
Miss Nichols has issued a general invitation to everyone who is interested to come play with her two et snails. There are no restrictions upon the games you care to play but it is requested that you do not pull the shells off their backs for observation.
Poughkeepsie is taking on a holiday aspect with many flags flying, in preparation for the corner stone laying of the bridge at which Governor Smith will officiate on Friday afternoon.
A desultory rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the thousands of persons who lined the streets and pressed closed about the platform at the approach of the Mid-Hudson Bridge in Union Square Friday afternoon to witness the laying of the cornerstone and greet Governor Alfred E. Smith and state officials who attended the ceremony. As Governor Smith tapped the huge five-ton granite block containing the copper box, with the handle of the silver trowel and pronounced these words,” I duly pronounce the cornerstone of the Mid-Hudson Bridge to be laid, Amen,” the first conclusive step in the erection of the bridge was completed and the hopes and desires of public spirited citizens for nearly a century were fulfilled.
The widening of the turns, also considerable grading and ballasting, is the result of recent construction work on the new private motor road thru the Gateway and Lenape Lane, which has been thought necessary owing to heavy travel during the summer months. This road is now in first class condition for all motor parties who will visit Mohonk this fall. The majority of cars negotiate the grade on high gear, which adds greatly to the enjoyment of the ride and decreases the nervous strain which was experienced over the old or Public Road. The exact mileage, from New Paltz to Mt. Rest Landing is 5.5 miles. The average grade is 2 percent, with a maximum not to exceed 5 percent.
General and Mrs. James G. Wylie, of Durban, South Africa, were recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Smiley. General Wylie has had a remarkable career in every line of life, having been through several great wars; was prominent as the leader of the National Troops representing the South African Contingent at the Coronation of King George; and in many other ways, has been identified with numerous large and varied enterprises in the Sudan.
A young American eagle was recently seen by one of the guests at Lake Mohonk while walking around Woodland Drive.
Alfred Harcourt and Carl Sandberg, the writer, called on Mrs. C. M. Harcourt on Friday and with her motored to Mohonk where they had lunch with Hastings Harcourt.
The open season on rabbits, squirrels and partridges began on Thursday. The popping of guns on the mountainside greeted the day.
The past week was marked by a storm at sea, heavy winds and frost in the region, with much damage to the apple crop, as apples have been blown to the ground, a snow flurry here, ground covered with snow in the Catskills, and in the Adirondacks snow deep enough for sleighing.
The Seekers class extend a cordial invitation to everyone to take part in the street parade in Hallowe’en costume on Friday evening. This is planned to follow the supper and precede the party at the Methodist Church to which everyone is invited and to which there is no admission fee.
Witch hazel is now in its glory. Quantities of it may be seen along the road to Newburgh. Its yellow flowers with their peculiar pungent order, studding the branches, belong to autumn as much as pussy willows to April. Yet comparatively few people know what it is.
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