Town of Hunter Tidbits: Platte Clove’s Charms

Interesting tidbits about Platte Clove, an area that is presently by-passed with emphasis on the Corridor of 23A. This 1914 news article explains its beauty much better than my attempt could.

Platte Clove’s Charms from the June 19, 1914, Brooklyn Daily Eagle — “This charming section of the Catskills, at the head of the beautiful Plattekill Clove or Grand Canyon, is the most delightful section of the interior Catskills and its pretty summer homes and comfortable boarding houses are well patronized during July and August.” Another 1914 article, “Situated at the head of the beautiful Plattekill Clove, Platte Clove, has one of the most delightful locations of any hamlet in the Catskills. The elevation is two thousand feet.”

From a 1911 paper, “Mail between Saugerties and Platte Clove is no longer carried by stage but is now delivered to Tannersville via railroad and from that point to Platte Clove by a carrier. It was only 8 years later that the Platte Clove Post Office was discontinued.”

A 1903 -1906 exchange says: “Mr. Pierce of East Windham, who is teaching at Platte Clove, while on his way home on Friday afternoon, tipped his wagon and broke his arm. He was taken back to Platte Clove, and was resting quite comfortably.”

Hiram E. Dibbell (an old-time name) of Platte Clove, died May 20, aged 74, interment at Platte Clove. (1901)

“Last week two handsome peacocks were received here by express. They were for Mrs. O.H. Milderberger and Mrs. Henry Martin, who reside at Platte Clove.” (1882)

And in 1879, “Here, across the mountains toward Mink Hollow, was that famed region where the first few settlers of Tannersville, fleeing before the persecutions which many of our forefathers bore patiently in old Revolutionary days, found a new home here in April 1790. They brought their wives and children, traveling across from Kingston. It was here that some two years afterward the Dutch hunter, seeking the bear whose trail betrayed where he went, dragging the heavy trap with him, came upon the blue smoke of the little settlement, and the women clapped their hands for joy at the sight of the first men they had seen for two years. Those women wept when they reached the wilderness where they were to toil without a view of the outside world. What lives those were of the first inhabitants in this new settlement. It was here the first child of the pioneers was born in 1796.”

The Catskill Recorder from 1924 said, “Aloysius Byrne, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Byrne (my dad’s, Bill Byrne’s brother) passed away at his home on April 18, aged nineteen years. He was critically ill with pneumonia for about 10 days but was gaining, when he had an attack of mumps and suffered a relapse, causing his death.

In 1925 Leo Dibble lost his home to a fire, burning to the ground.

Until next week, take care, be thankful, and be kind. You never know how your act of kindness may change someone’s life. Any comments or concerns, please contact: hunterhistorian@gmail.com, or call 518-589-4130.