Town of Hunter Tidbits: Haines Falls, an amazing description

HAINES FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – ORGANIZED IN 1933

This next article shares an amazing description of the area that we call home! It was written by local historian Eric Posselt, author of The Rip Van Winkle Trail, a Guide to the Catskills, written in 1952.

“THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS are a part of the Alleghany Plateau which, in turn, is a part of the Appalachian System stretching from Newfoundland south to Alabama. They cover a total area of about 16,000 square miles, but have no universally accepted borderline, even though the Catskill Forest Reserve with its 576,120 acres (in 2019 it is 705,500 acres) sprawling over parts of Ulster, Greene, Sullivan and Delaware counties takes in most of them. Of this territory, 186,123 acres are state owned.” (Today New York State owns 287,500 acres or 41 percent of the total acres.)

Posselt went on to say, “the Catskill Mountains, their picturesque summits and valleys, their gorges and cliffs and their salubrious climate had been discovered as the ideal vacation land. Thus, they became what they are today: the playground of New York.”

Another reminder of its beauty was stated in 1950 by Jewett resident Karl D. Hesley, “In our mountains and our gorgeous scenery we have God-given assets that exceed by far those that form the background of other localities.”

Eric Posselt went on to say, “Haines Falls is located at the top of Kaaterskill Clove at an elevation varying between 2,000 and 2,400 feet, and singularly blessed by a plethora of scenic surprises in its immediate vicinity. The Village of Haines Falls is not only the highest summer resort in the Catskills; it is, indeed, by many considered the loveliest of them all.”

Posselt’s description of Haines Falls explains the reason for this next article.

It was on June 17, 1933 that the Haines Falls Chamber of Commerce was organized. How progressive the residents in this small hamlet were almost 85 years ago. A large group of businessmen (including two businesswomen) met at the Haines Falls Community Building at 52 North Lake Road with the purpose of organizing a Chamber of Commerce. Many residents of Haines Falls will still find these names familiar.

George Schutt, The Laurel House, at the top of the Kaaterskill Falls, was built in the early 1840s and owned for many years by the Schutt family. Schutt was elected president and presided as chairman. Sam Schwartz, owner of the Fenmore Hotel, was elected first vice president. Wilfred McGibbons, owner of Pine Tree Lodge (near 5296 23A) was elected as treasurer, and W. Whitney Smith as secretary.

The following members also served on the board of directors.

Henry J. Myer, owner of The Loxhurst at 5132 Route 23A, property today owned by the Mountaintop Historical Society. Herb O’Hara, owner of The Shady Grove at 54 O’Hara Road, today’s Peace Village. Sam Schwartz, owner of The Fenmore at 5278 23A. W. I. Hallenbeck, owner of Renner’s Inn near 5270 23A. Alfred H, Legg owner of The Bellevue Hotel near 5333 23A, across from the Bike Inn. Fred Carnright, Variety Store at 5201 23A, the building just west of the Haines Falls Post Office. Mrs. Thomas Corr, owner of The Maple Terrace 5132 23A, today’s well-kept B & B, The Bike Inn. Also: Edward Haines, Charles B. Layman, Mrs. Gross, Mr. Ferraro, Able R. Legg, Ralph Karamy, Howard Matthews, and W. Smith. Wilfred McGibbons was chair of the publicity committee with Herbert O’Hara and W. Smith on the subscription committee.

Many local people found employment at these hotels years ago, and the names are still familiar.

Posselt included the type and number of different businesses in Haines Falls in 1952. There were: 30 hotels; 19 cottages and rooms; four churches; two taxis; two bus stops; three souvenir stores; one drugstore; Lowerre’s service station; Traveler’s Rest Restaurant; and Rip’s Lookout Point.

Thanks to Eric Posselt for his little glimpse into the past.

Until Next week, take care and be kind. You never know how your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

Any comments, questions, or concerns please contact: hunterhistorian@gmail.com , of call 518-589-4130.