Town of Hunter Tidbits: Some old miscellaneous articles

IT WOULD BE A REVELATION – January 19, 1923 Catskill Recorder

“If Rip Van Winkle had slept on and didn’t awake until 1923, what a surprise would have been in store for him! He would have seen his beloved mountains overrun with Summer vacationists; he would have to step lively to avoid being run down by the automobiles that travel the busy mountain road at all hours of the day and night; he would see the bright Western Electric lights shining from every mountain slope that boasts a progressive Summer boarding house, and he would see the busy Gretchen’s of to-day, using electrically operated washing machines, sewing machines, vacuum sweepers and other devices to make their work easy.” (Imagine if Rip slept into the 21st century!)

Stamford Mirror – February 25, 1925 – LAKE DEVELOPMENT AT TANNERSVILLE

New York Corporation will create miniature Coney Island.

“The Rip Van Winkle Lake property was sold the past week to a corporation of New York men. They will make a number of improvements, consisting of the dredging of a portion of the lake and building an island. Bath houses are to be built and a dancing pavilion. Also, a drive around the lake. Work will be started at an early date. This will fill a long felt need for “Tannersville, and when completed will be one of the finest in the Catskills.” (?)

Catskill Recorder – 96 years ago – RESPONSE OF WOMANHOOD.

“With the passing of the years since woman first became recognized as an individual in the educational world, there have been many adjustments to meet her changing needs. As a result of her increased interest in economics, woman is widening her horizon in relation to social conditions. The health of her family is dependent upon the cleanliness of the milk supply. Woman strives toward immunity for her family from disease which may develop from contact with unsanitary garments. The dependence of her own family upon community sanitation in relation to drainage, insect pests, ventilation, etc., will lead into a consciousness of her share in the maintenance of good housekeeping and civic conditions. She is taking on this same responsibility in her community. She is making playgrounds for children, healthier conditions in schools, fairer conditions for the work of men, women and children in farm, store, factory, and shop.”

Catskill Recorder - REMODELING – 1929

Honigsbaum Management is Preparing for New department

“The busiest place in our village this winter is the Honigsbaum Department Store, where the work of remodeling the building for the new department is fast nearing completion. Frank Showers and men are paining; Constable and Bender, carpenters, are adding the final work, and the Globe Sprinkler Company men are installing a sprinkler system. The past week the counter men were here taking measurements for counters and it will not be long now before Tannersville will have an up-to-the-minute 10 cent to $1.00 store.” (Honigsbaum’s Store was located at 6041 Main Street, just west of Pancho Villa’s)

A Catskill Market 1882

Beef – gr.lb. 10c; Milk gal. – 8c; Porterhouse lb. – 20c; Sugar lb. – 12c; Corned lb. - 12c; Fish – cod lb. – 12c; Clams, hundred – 60c; Ham & Pork lb. – 15c; Butter lb. – 40c; Oleomargarine lb. – 26c – Margarine was invented back in 1869; Cheese lb. – 16c; Eggs doz. – 20c; Kerosene gal – 15c.

Until next time, take care. Be thankful & be kind. You never know how your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

Any comments, corrections, or concerns please feel free to contact: hunterhistorian@gmail.com, or call 518-589-4130.