MTHS

Narrow Gauge Trains of the Catskills: John Ham Book Signing at the Mountain Top Historical Society
2024-08-24 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the book signing is cancelled. However, we are pleased to inform you, due to popular demand, we have a handful of copies of Narrow Gauge Trains of the Catskills to sell. If you would like to purchase the book, please email mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657. They will also be available for purchase this Saturday, 8/17 1-4:30 PM at the Ulster & Delaware Train Station on the MTHS campus.

John Ham will be at the historic 1913 Ulster & Delaware Train Station to sign copies of his latest book, Narrow Gauge Trains of the Catskills, Saturday, August 24th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

This is John Ham’s newest (and most likely, last) railroad book. It is entitled Narrow Gauge Trains of the Catskills, showing in detail the six decades of railroad operations in the “Resort Ridge” region of the Northern Catskill Mountains, primarily in the Township of Hunter.

This hardcover book contains 304 glossy pages of history. It is also a superb collection of more than 530 crisp, clear photographs, maps, original construction contracts, and so much more inside this all-encompassing book.

“Vanished Fauna of the Catskill Mountains” Presented by Justin Wexler of Wild Hudson Valley at the U & D Train Station on the campus of the Mountain Top Historical Society
2024-08-10 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
A handful of fascinating creatures once inhabited the Catskill Mountain region, but have disappeared over the last three centuries. Join Justin Wexler, educator at Wild Hudson Valley, at the Ulster & Delaware Train Station learn about these animals, their impact on local ecosystems, and their role in indigenous folklore and land use.
Justin Wexler is a life-long resident of the Hudson Valley, who has devoted his life to sharing his love of the natural world and for the region’s original inhabitants. Obsessed with nature from his earliest years, he has spent most of his life either in the outdoors or in research on local history and ethnoecology. He has a BA in History and Anthropology from Marlboro College in Vermont and a Professional Certificate in Environmental Policy as well as a MA in Teaching from Bard College.
Space is limited, registration is required. Please register by email at: mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518 589-6657

Justine Hommel Memorial Lecture: “Frederic Church’s Olana: Art, Ecology and the Native Forest” presented by Sean Sawyer
2024-07-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
“Frederic Church’s Olana: Art, Ecology and the Native Forest” presented by Sean Sawyer, PhD., Washburn and Susan Oberwager President of the Olana Partnership
A National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site, Olana, is the masterwork of Frederic Church (1826 -1900), America’s most famous artists of the mid-19th century. As a painter, Church defined our national identity as inextricably linked to the majesty of the natural world. At Olana, Church married aesthetic endeavor with environmental action. At the core of his endeavor was the ambitious reforestation of 250-acres of overworked land with native trees. Since 1971, the Olana Partnership and New York State Parks have worked tirelessly to restore Olana in a pioneering public-private partnership that has become a model for the nation.
Sean Sawyer, President of the Olana Partnership since May of 2015, will discuss how Church engaged with the emerging field of ecology, first by literally following in the footsteps of Alexander von Humboldt, in his meteoric rise as the country’s most celebrated landscape painter and, then in his four decade-long development of Olana, where he immersed himself in “landscape architecturing” to speak to the history of the land and human impact on it.
Dr. Sawyer received a B.A. summa cum laude in Art History & Archaeology from Princeton University in 1988 and his PhD in Architectural History from Columbia University in 1999. Prior to joining Olana, Sean was the Executive Director of the Royal Oak Foundation, the American partner of the National Trust of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Sean is a member of the Columbia County Development Corp. and of the Village of Kinderhook Historic Preservation Commission.
Program will be held at the Twilight Park Clubhouse.
Refreshments to follow.
A $5 donation is suggested.

Eve of the Strawberry Full Moon Hike at North South Lake
2024-06-21 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York)
Hike Leader: Ryan Penny
Difficulty: Moderate (2.5 miles with a some rock scrambles)
Description: Hike to Sunset Rock (for the sunset) and then Lookout Rock or Artist’s Rock (for the moonrise). The moon will be full at 9:08 PM. The hike will begin in the North South Lake eastern parking lot by the beach around 7 PM.

"Pine Orchard: Lair of the Mountain House" Presented by Jim Planck
2024-06-15 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Catskill Mountain House Hotel.
In the first of two presentations, Jim Planck, Vice-President of the Greene County Historical Society, will describe the history leading up to the construction of one of America’s first resort destinations.
Jim Planck is also the current editor of the GCHS quarterly journal and has had a 30+ year career as a reporter covering Greene County news. He has written articles for Kaatskill Life, Columbia County Heritage, and Greene County History. Jim was born in Catskill and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1965 -1969, including a tour of duty in Viet Nam. We thank him for his service.
Please join us on Sunday, September 8th at 2pm for the second installment of Jim’s history of the Catskill Mt. House.
Program will be held at the MTHS Ulster & Delaware Train Station. Refreshments will follow. A donation of $5 is suggested.

Screening of Casa Susanna Documentary and Community Conversation
2024-06-08 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
Join WMHT and MOUNTAIN TOP HISTORICAL SOCIETY for a free film screening and community conversation.
In the 1950s and ’60s, an underground network of transgender women and cross-dressing men found refuge at a modest house in the Catskills region of New York. Known as Casa Susanna, the house provided a safe place to express their true selves and live for a few days as they had always dreamed—dressed as and living as women without fear of being incarcerated or institutionalized for their self-expression.
This screening will take place at the Mountain Top Historical Society’s 1913 Ulster and Delaware Train Stations, an accessible building. Parking is available. Film is closed captioned. If other accommodations are needed, email Mara Drogan (she/her), Director of Community Engagement & Education, mdrogan@wmht.org.
For free tickets, click here.

Delectable baked goods and coffee will be served.

"Conquer the Soil” with Abra Lee, Public Horticulturalist
2024-06-02 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Mountain Top Arboretum, 4 Maude Adams Rd., Tannersville, 12485, United States
Co-sponsored with the Mountain Top Arboretum.
This is an in-person lecture held at the Mountain Top Arboretum. Education Center. Registration is required: https://www.mtarboretum.org/events/conquerthesoil
Abra Lee is poised to captivate audiences as she shares from her upcoming book, a remarkable profile of 45 hidden figures in horticulture – Black women and men whose exceptional careers in the plant world have remained largely unknown or overlooked. In her presentation, Abra will cast a spotlight on these remarkable individuals, giving them the recognition, they truly deserve while enhancing our collective understanding of horticultural history.
Abra and other authors are featured in The New York Times’ article “Black Gardeners Find Refuge in the Soil”. To view the article, click HERE.
Abra Lee is a storyteller, horticulturist, and author of the forthcoming book Conquer the Soil: Black America and the Untold Stories of Our Country’s Gardeners, Farmers, and Growers. Her extensive experience spans roles as a municipal arborist and airport landscape manager, immersing her in the world of gardening. Her work has graced renowned media like The New York Times, NPR, Fine Gardening, and Veranda Magazine. Lee holds a degree from Auburn University College of Agriculture and is an esteemed alumna of the Longwood Gardens Society of Fellows, a global network of public horticulture professionals.
Program will take place at The Mountain Top Arboretum

Hike: Rips Retreat and Alligator Rock at North South Lake
2024-06-01 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | North South Lake
Saturday, June 1
Meeting at 9:30 AM at the South Lake Beach parking area. Make the first right turn after checking in at the North-South Lake entrance gate (there is a day use fee of $10 per car).
Please register by emailing mthsdirector@mths.org or calling 518-589-6657.
Hike leader: Bob Gildersleeve
Difficulty: Easy (good for families with kids)
Description: Rip’s Retreat was a tourist location in the early 1950s at what is now the North Lake Beach picnic area. There were several small buildings featuring Dutch style crafts, playground rides, talking animals and Rip himself with his dog Wolf.
We will explore today’s picnic area for traces of the buildings, stand in front of the spot where, in 1950’s, puppets reenacted the story of Rip while we listen to the exact recording that visitors of that time heard.
While we are there, we will be able to walk past Alligator Rock and see the famous view from the Catskill Mountain House site and perhaps walk the path of the parks train ride.

Ron Gabriele Presents “War Dogs”
2024-05-26 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
Ron Gabriele presents “War Dogs”, a Memorial Day tribute to the brave and tireless canine companions of our military and law enforcement.
Mr. Gabriele will examine the history of dogs on the battlefield, the role that dogs play in today’s American military, the similarities between the military dog and the police dog, and finally the role of America’s dogs in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and the Afghanistan wars.
Mr. Gabriele holds an MS from SUNY Albany and a BS from SUNY Brockport. In 2003 he retired from Columbia Greene Community College where he held the position of Athletic Director and taught health and physical education for many years.
Program will be held at the MTHS Ulster & Delaware Train Station. Refreshments will follow. Suggested donation $ 5

Birdwatching with Nancy Allen
2024-05-19 06:30 - 08:30 (America/New_York) | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
Leader: Nancy Allen
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Birdwatching at the MTHS pond for all experience levels. Binoculars, field guide, and a sketch pad are nice to have, but not required. Park at the MTHS parking lot. It’s just a short walk to the pond area. Join us for part or all of the time. Heavy rain cancels.
Join again on 6/16, 7/21, & 8/18

Catskill Mountain House & Environs: Romantic Poetry of the Catskills
2024-04-24 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
Led by Town of Hunter Historian Dede Terns-Thorpe & MTHS Board Member Cyndi LaPierre at the MTHS Visitors’ Center. Dede, Cyndi and others will be reading from writings by Thomas Cole, William Cullen Bryant, James Fenimore Cooper, Washington Irving, and other romantics who are continuing that style into the present time. We are setting this evening program in the Visitors’ Center to allow for informal conversation. Please remember to pre-register by emailing mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657.

Susie Barstow and Her Circle: The Women of the Hudson River School
2024-03-01 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
In conjunction with the Clinton Historical Society of Oneida County.
Presented by Nancy Siegel, Professor of Art History at Towson University.
This is a Zoom presentation.

Why do we not know more of Susie M. Barstow (1836–1923), a prolific artist and notable figure in the field of American landscape painting? Nancy Siegel, Professor of Art History at Towson University, draws on previously unknown archival materials (letters, dairies, photographs, paintings, drawings, and sketchbooks) to discuss the life and career of this fascinating artist within the context of the Hudson River School.

To view this program please use this link.

Richard Sears Walling presents "The Lost Mondore Village of Prattsville"
2024-02-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
Thursday, February 22 at 6 pm
Zoom Presentation

The Lost Mondore Village of Prattsville program details the forgotten community of African American families who once lived in this small village nestled in the Western Catskills. Descending from enslaved parentage, the family intermingled with local folks, creating a locally unique social dynamic. One of the descendants served as a Union soldier and was present in Texas on June 19th, 1865.

Richard Sears Walling, son of two World War II officers, is a graduate of Rutgers University. He has dedicated his life to history, historic preservation and humanitarian causes. His primary work is in African American and Native American history and genealogy. He is the author of numerous books, including “My Year in France”, about a Harlem Hell Fighter, and “Edward & Eleanor and the Wages of Sin”, about the infamous 1922 double homicide of a minister and his lover in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Registration is required. Please email mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657.

4th Annual Community Reading of Rip Van Winkle
2023-10-08 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
The 4th Annual Community Reading of Rip Van Winkle will take place on Sunday, October 9 at 2pm.
Get to know the “true” story behind sleepy Rip, his dog Wolf and the mysterious ninepin bowling Dutchmen. Vintage and antique Rip Van Winkle books, films and art will be on display. Rip Van Winkle himself just might make an appearance too–bring your cameras!
*READERS WANTED!* Sign up by e-mailing mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657.

Native Seed Collection and Sowing with Chris Nilan of Barkaboom Native Plants
2023-10-08 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Join native plant nursery owner Chris Nilan as we learn the ins and outs of growing native plants from wild-collected seeds. Chris will cover the ethics and benefits of seed collection, how to determine seed ripeness and viability, seed harvesting, processing, and storage, as well as the various methods of achieving germination, from winter sowing to artificial stratification. This will be a hands-on workshop where participants will receive native wildflower seeds from Chris’s seed plots to try growing at home.
Chris Nilan is the owner and grower at Barkaboom Native Plants, a native plant nursery in Margaretville, NY. At Barkaboom, Chris grows over 125 species of perennial plants native to the Catskills, entirely from seed and with a strong focus on local ecotypes. This emphasis on locally adapted seeds means that at certain times of the year, Chris spends more time in forests, swamps, beaver meadows, bogs and floodplains than in the nursery. Prior to his total infatuation with growing native plants, Chris worked for a near-decade on a number of organic vegetable farms in the Hudson Valley, Maine, and Connecticut.
This event is a collaboration between Mountain Top Arboretum and Mountain Top Historical Society.

9th Annual Hikefest (Cancelled)
2023-10-07 08:30 - 15:00 UTC
Join us for a fun day, as part of the Catskills “Lark in the Park”. Hikes/Walks to several destinations. Please email mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657 to register. Group capacity will be limited.
Hike #1 The Hudson River School artists at Kaaterskill Falls with hike leader Robert Titus
Much of the early work done by Hudson River School artists was done at Kaaterskill Falls. It is easy to search for and find exactly where they sketched. This hike will visit many of these sites. It is Dr. Titus’s contention that it was the Ice Age processes of erosion that created the scenic beauty that was painted. Dr. Titus and his wife Johanne are preparing a book about this. This hike will be a preview of that book.
Meet at the Laurel House parking lot at 8:30 AM. An easy to moderate hike of about three to four hours. Bring snacks and water.

Hike #2 Kaaterskill Junction with hike leaders Pete Senterman, Paul LaPierre, Gary Dufel, and Mike Kudish
Explore the area around Kaaterskill Junction on State Route 214. Step back in time to the days when the Kaaterskill and Stoney Clove Railroad came up to the Junction from Phoenicia and then split to the west on the Hunter Branch and headed east on the Tannersville Branch toward the Hotel Kaaterskill. Host Gary Dufel, along with Senterman and LaPierre will also be joined by Mike Kudish, author of Where Did the Tracks Go in the Catskills? to give the story from 4 points of view. A side excursion to the new Hunter Branch Rail Trail pedestrian bridge over a tributary of the Schoharie Creek will be added after returning to our start at the Junction site.
Park on the U-shaped driveway at 4282 route 214 at 9:00 AM. There is a sign planted in the grass marking the Junction. This is a moderate hike about 4 miles long. Bring snacks and water.

Hike #3 Vistas of the Kaaterskill Clove with hike leader Pete Preston
This is a fast moving, moderately challenging loop hike that features spectacular views from high above Kaaterskill Clove. Follow the up-and-down cliff-top Escarpment Trail passing Layman’s Monument into Kaaterskill Clove to the famous Sunset Rock and Inspiration Point, followed by the not-to-be-missed views over Palenville and the Hudson Valley. Tour the site of the Kaaterskill Hotel and then return to Scutt Rd via South Mt. Pausing throughout the hike along the way when history beckons. In Bob Gildersleeve’s book, Catskill Mountain House Trail Guide, most of his Hike 4 covers this hike.
Meet at the Scutt Rd parking lot 9:00 AM, which is on North Lake Rd, right before the campground entrance. Total estimated time: about four hours. The trail can be muddy in places if the days prior to the hike have been rainy, so think about footwear. No dogs please. Bring snacks and water.

11th Annual Postcard Show
2023-09-23 10:00 - 15:00 UTC
Join us for the 11th Annual Postcard Show at the Ulster & Delaware Train Station on the MTHS campus. The MTHS will also be selling ephemera from its attic in a special sale. A $ 3 entry fee will be charged at the door. Vendors contact John Duda at johnalmathduda@gmail.com

Tour of Opus 40 with Dr. Robert Titus - Free for MTHS Members
2023-09-10 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | opus 40
Tour of Opus 40 with Dr. Robert Titus, Geologist. This tour will be FREE for MTHS members. If you need to renew your membership or would like to invite a friend to become a member please use this link. If you have any questions regarding your membership please email mthsdirector@mths.org. Non-members may attend, but will be asked to pay the usual entrance fee of $13.00. Sign up by e-mailing mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657.
Become a member at https://mths.org/membership/
The group will meet at Opus 40 Sculpture Park & Museum, 356 George Sickle Road, Saugerties, NY 12477 which is accessible from RT 212, or Glasco Turnpike. Please arrive at 9:45AM to check-in. We recommend guests wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and bug spray. We love dogs but only service dogs that are individually trained to do specific tasks for a person with a disability are allowed at Opus 40. They do not permit support animals. If you have any doubt about what category your dog is in, please do refer to the comprehensive ADA definitions HERE. The admissions area, gift store, and gallery, as well as the meadow in front of our sculpture and portable toilets, are all accessible. Unfortunately, wheelchairs or walkers are not allowed on sculpture for safety reasons, nor do we recommend that anyone with vision or mobility issues walk on the sculpture without aid.
Registration is recquired.The group will be limited to 20 participants.To register please email mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Mountain Top Historical Society, we are pleased to be able to offer this program to our invaluable members. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Society over the last half century! We look forward to seeing you soon.

50th Anniversary of the Mountain Top Historical Society
2023-08-28
On August 28th we will celebrate 50 years of service to the community as we discover, preserve, share and interpret all aspects of Mountain Top history.
We will be honoring our founders, current and former board members and presidents and all our volunteers with exhibits documenting our local history.
There will be a few surprises! Invitations will be mailed in July. We hope you will join us.

"The Fenwick Lumber Company. Edgewood: Almost Forgotten 1906-1917" by Elaine Warfield
2023-08-20 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
Elaine Warfield will present a slideshow on the Fenwick Lumber Company at the Mountain Top Historical Society’s 1913 Ulster and Delaware Train Station, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, NY on Sunday, August 20 at 1 p.m. Copies of her new book on the Fenwick operation will be available for sale.

Elaine has lived on the mountain top for over 40 years and enjoys creating projects pertaining to the rich mountain top history, past and present, in book and photographic formats. Her new book, “The Fenwick Lumber Company. Edgewood: Almost Forgotten 1906-1917″ will be available at the event, before its official September release date. 224 pages, 160+ images, 8.5″ x 11”. $16.99.

The book can be purchased from Elaine at 518-965-8601, www.ElaineWarfieldBooks and will be available on Amazon.
Please pre-register for the event with the Mountain Top Historical Society by calling (518)-589-6657 or RSVP below.

Early in the 1900s, there was a change occurring in the town of Hunter. Actually, a revolutionary change, high up on the Southwest (back side) of Hunter Mountain. No one alive today seems to know exactly why, but two enterprising brothers from Steuben County, New York found their way to the Catskills and began purchasing land and timber rights up on that lofty mountain.
Deeds show that the Slawson brothers, Alfred and John, in 1903 bought approximately 2,000 acres from Hiram and Anna Whitney, land in the town of Lexington, at about three dollars an acre.

There were other acquisitions, including rights-of-way, timber rights and a mill site on the “old Harrison Benjamin lot” in the town of Hunter near Edgewood. It might have been a wonderful money opportunity to log that side of the mountain for the brothers, but unfortunately, their idea for bringing the logs down the steep grade (approximately 28% in some places), via a log chute, did not work out well. The logs gained such momentum that upon reaching the bottom of the chute, everything was torn apart.

In 1906, the Slawsons sold their operation to the Tennant-Richards Lumber Company, who in turn sold it to the Fenwick Lumber Company. It was said the Slawson brothers went bankrupt, but there are several newspaper articles that may indicate otherwise. And so began an operation that disappeared just over 10 years later almost as mysteriously as it may have begun.
