The Great Wall
of Manitou

By Dede Terns Thorpe, Town of Hunter Historian

I’ve shared related articles before, but Manitou seems to be found frequently in different variants and is always a fun and exciting read. Here’s a little bit more.

Unfortunately, the following paper was unsigned… “According to Indian traditions, there was a kind of Manitou or Spirit, who took a mischievous pleasure in wreaking evils and vexations upon the red man. Sometimes he would assume the form of a bear, a panther, or a deer, lead the bewildered hunter a weary chase through the tangled forest and ragged rocks, and then spring off with a loud Ho Ho, leaving him aghast on the brink of a beetling precipice or raging torrent.                                                                                                          

The Indians considered the Catskills the abode of spirits, who influenced the weather, and sending good or bad hunting seasons. They were ruled by an old squaw spirit, said to be their mother. She had charge of the doors of day and night to open and shut them at the proper hour. She hung the new moons in the skies and cut the old ones into stars.”

In 2016, Dr. Robert Titus, a renowned geologist and local resident, wrote about Henry Hudson’s 1609 exploration and discovery of an important landmark, the Hudson River. Titus said Hudson and his crew must have wondered about those mountains as they sailed past them. Dr. Titus noted, “The Catskill Front, or if you like, the Wall of Manitou, is very roughly the Algonquian words for the Wall of God. It is a very striking landscape feature, stretching about ten miles long and extending from Overlook Mt., in the south, to North Point in the north. It is broken twice by sizable cloves. The biggest is Kaaterskill clove; the other is Plattekill clove, and that is only a bit smaller.”

Titus wrote: “To watch as thunderstorms pass over the Catskills is a grand experience. I think that they must have invented thunderstorms just for the Catskills. On clear dry days at Olana (the home built by Artist Edwin Church), the image of the mountains seems to expand; I think the dry air actually magnifies the view. It is always a wonderful panorama at Olana. Church and his family enjoyed it for decades; I envy them that.”

Olana was constructed in 1872 as the home for Edwin Church and his wife. Church was a student of artist Thomas Cole who described Church as “the finest eye for drawing in the world.” Olana had been an old farm, a site where Church and Cole often painted together. Olana is a New York State historic house and museum in Greenport, near Hudson.

Wikipedia tells us that in some Algonquian traditions, Gitcher Manitou refers to a “great spirit” or supreme being. Some Christian groups adopted the word to refer to God. It tells us, “Algonquian religion acknowledges medicine men, who used manitou to see the future, change the weather, and heal illness.” Illness was believed to be caused by magic and spirits.

Just as the name Rip Van Winkle is shared among many businesses in Greene County, so has the name Manitou. The Catskill Escarpment, the Wall of Manitou, is a name proudly shared with numerous other sites in North America. Thanks for reading, and have a great rest of your summer.

Maude Adams
of Hunter, NY

By Dede Terns Thorpe, Town of Hunter Historian

This story shares a bit on the life of one of the fascinating people who lived in the Town of Hunter: Maude Adams, also known as Peter Pan.  Miss Adams lived on the Mountain Top for about forty years. She died in 1953 in a friend’s home on the west side of Tannersville. She was 80 years old.



Maude Adams, known as a gentle and private person, learned that a photograph of her home had been taken and made into postcards. Her home in Tannersville was (is) not far from the main entrance to Onteora Park. It was designed by the famous architect G. A. Reid and was built back off the road. It had several windows looking toward the mountains she so loved. She considered her summer home, her sanctuary, her refuge. She was distressed over her privacy being compromised.

Miss Adams consulted an attorney and learned she’d have to give her permission before anyone could legally enter her property.

She visited souvenir stores in Tannersville, Hunter, and Haines Falls and purchased over one hundred postcards. In the following weeks, she bought all that was available. It quickly became a popular card.

Miss Adams visited the local photographers, but each denied taking a photograph. It took her about a week, but she soon traced the photo’s origin to Harding Showers, an amateur photographer, and a nearby neighbor. As soon as she asked him to discontinue the sale of the photographs, he agreed and gave her the plate. It was quickly destroyed.

Maude prided herself in her excellent relationship with the villagers and did not want to leave her home. The locals adored Miss Adams and respected her desire to live in absolute quiet. Like many prominent people, she continually had to fight for her privacy.

The article noted that Maude Adams had other troubles at that time. It said, “A polish artist is painting her picture as Peter Pan, and it was decided that the background of Artist’s Seat, one of the highest places in Onteora Park, was exactly appropriate to do the painting. Miss Adams, clad in her costume and wearing a long cloak, climbed up the 235 steps to the spot with two pickets (guards) to warn her if anybody approached. As early as half past 8 o’clock in the morning and again at 6 o’clock in the afternoon, the actress tried to pose against the rocks and trees. Every time she was interrupted, however, and at last, a photographer from New York was sent for to take pictures of the background.” (From a New Jersey Morning Call paper, August 10, 1906.)

Miss Adams called the mountains, visible from the crossroads of County Route 25 and 23C, “The Giant Elephants protecting the high peaks.”


Hunter High School students go on strike

By Dede Terns Thorpe, Town of Hunter Historian

“Union Free School at Hunter, Catskill Mountains, NY”

From the September 8, 1933 Albany Times Union:

HUNTER STUDENTS ON STRIKE

“Protesting against the combining of the Hunter and the Tannersville High Schools, the junior and senior classes of the former school announced their intentions of staying away from classes.” The article said that Sol Meisel was one of the leaders. In 1933, Meisel was a junior at the Hunter School.

DEMONSTRATIONS “EGGED-On”

The paper said that before the strike began, the kids got together and had an automobile parade through Tannersville. It was not well-received. They heard catcalls and had decayed fruit and vegetables thrown at their automobiles. Meisel said that alone convinced the students not to cross the threshold of the Tannersville school. At least not until they felt they got what they wanted.

Frank Lackey, school board president, said he was equally firm in his standpoint.

Lackey said that the transfer of the schools was done with the state’s approval and that the board wouldn’t move an inch in the matter. If anybody yields, it will be the students, or the state department must reverse its decision. Lackey went on to say that the consolidation was done for economic reasons. He said the problem is two or three troublemakers stirring things up. Lackey believes it will all be ironed out in two or three days.

HUNTER STUDENTS TO ARBITRATE

“The 20 members of the junior and senior class of the Hunter High School out on strike as a protest against the consolidation of their school were to meet tonight with members of the board of education at Hunter High.

The students have refused to attend classes this term because Hunter was merged with Tannersville High School. The situation remains deadlocked, the students declaring they will not return until word is received from the state education in Albany as to whether the consolidation is legal.”

The school board president, Frank Lackey, said the New York State Education Department sanctioned the consolidation. (September 14, 1933, Times Union).

HUNTER’S SCHOOL TROUBLE RESTS

Stamford Mirror September 14, 1933​

Board Abandons Merger– SUGGESTED BY THE STATE

It said the situation that challenged the Hunter-Jewett-Lexington Central School Districts and the twenty students on strike was because they did not want to attend Tannersville. Meetings and discussions were held until last May when a special school election with 1,510 ballots was cast. Tannersville’s location won by 114 votes.

It was brought to the public’s attention last week when a local radio station announced the problem. The radio said a protest parade by the Hunter students was met with disapproval. The Hunter students said they’d rather go to Windham, nine miles away. The Village of Hunter taxpayers supported the students.

At a special board meeting, the district decided to reopen the Hunter school and temporarily cancel its plan to have the Hunter students attend Tannersville. They said this added expense would cost about $3000 a year for two extra teachers plus rental space for a temporary high school at Fred Quick’s home in Hunter. The old Hunter high school had already been converted into a grade school.

Hunter residents and students were “bitterly disappointed,” so when school re-opened this past September in Tannersville, the Hunter students were at their desks, but briefly. Some students quit school over the issue. Before long, the Hunter student body walked out. Discussions and meetings were held, with no agreement forthcoming. Finally, acting on the suggestion of Frank P. Graves, NYS Commissioner of Education, the board of education voted to permit the pupils to return to school at Hunter.

It makes one wonder how this situation would have resolved itself today.


The historic Dolan’s Lake in Hunter

By: Dede Terns-Thorpe, Town of Hunter Historian

Dolan’s Lake is just about 100 years old and has a great history. It’s always been fascinating to learn how or where a name originated, whether it be a road or a special place.

Today we’ll share a little information about Dolan’s Lake. It was named after its builder, a lifelong resident of Hunter, Michael Buddington Dolan, the namesake of both Dolan’s Lake and its well-groomed park. The Park also has a memorial that pays tribute to the tragic times of 9-11. Here are a few tidbits about the lake―one loved for its fishing, walking path, swimming, and winter ice-skating. It has been a long-time beloved home of children’s summer camps. 

Above today’s Dolan’s Lake stood the Mountainside Hotel, built in the early 1880s near the Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl Lodge about the time the 1882 Ulster & Delaware Railroad came through Hunter village. Sadly, the hotel burned in 1894. The Klein family later built the Alpine Hotel, just a short distance north/east of today’s lodge at Hunter Mountain. The Alpine later became the Star Hotel in 1937, and then in 1950, it was changed to Topps Hotel. At those times the lake was accordingly named Topps or Star Lake. Dolan’s Lake finally has its proper name back.

The first Hunter Mt. Ski Bowl Lodge (1959-1960) was the “old red barn,” the Alpine, Topps, or Star Hotel. Many of us older skiers remember that first lodge, a fun, informal, relaxing place to spend some time after a full day of skiing.

But now we’re back to Dolan’s Lake.

Mr. Michael B. Dolan, one of the most prominent men in Greene County, died in the Benedictine Hospital from an acute attack of diabetes, according to an untitled 1931 local newspaper.

Mr. Dolan, born in 1861, was one of 16 children. His parents were James and Mary Miller Dolan of Elka Park. He married Lizzie Patricia Lackey, daughter of Michael Lackey, Sr., and Catherine Burke. Michael Dolan later owned and operated the Halfway House (its location was south of 7549 Main Street, approximately), which included the property which would become Dolan’s Lake. Harvesting ice was an important early 20th-century industry, and it was built for that reason. The lake soon became a major supplier to many of the local hotels (pre-refrigeration days).

The waters of Dolan’s Lake start at Shanty Hollow Brook and flow about three miles before meeting the Schoharie. Over many years, flooding repeatedly damaged the lake area and major repairs have brought it to the pristine condition it is in today.

The history of Dolan’s Lake, and its builder, Michael B. Dolan, was found in old newspapers, the 1899 Biographical Review of Leading Citizens of Greene County, from talented Matthew Jarnich, photographer of the American Catskills website, John Ham’s One Hundred Years on “Resort Ridge,” and from long-time Hunter Village resident, Gary Slutzky. Thank you all for sharing your tidbits on Michael Dolan and his popular Hunter Lake.  Like Justine always said, it’s people that make history… and share it. Thanks for reading.

Hike: West Kill Mountain

Hike Leader: George Hewitt

Difficulty: Difficult (6.8 miles RT with a 1,800’ elevation gain and rock scrambles)

Description:  The hike will begin at the parking lot at the end of Spruceton Road in West Kill.  We will hike on the Diamond Notch Trail to Diamond Notch Falls (pause there for pictures), then turn right onto the Devil’s Path Trail.  The hike up Devil’s Path is a consistent climb with rocky sections to the top of West Kill Mountain.  Just before summiting West Kill Mountain, we will stop at Buck’s Ridge, a beautiful overlook with views of the surrounding mountains.  After summiting (there is no view at the top) we will return to Buck’s Ridge and stop for lunch.  After the hike, for those interested, we will stop at the West Kill Brewery to quench our thirst.  Bring a pack lunch and/or snacks and plenty of water.  Sturdy hiking shoes a must and poles are recommended.  Hike cancels with rain.  Group size limited to 15 people.

Meeting Time:  9 AM

Difficulty:  Difficult (6.8 miles RT with a 1,800’ elevation gain and rock scrambles).  Average time to hike 4.5 hours round trip.

Directions:  Take Rt. 42 (north from Shandaken off Rt. 28 or south from Lexington off Rt. 23A). In Spruceton turn onto Spruceton Rd.  Continue about 7.4 miles.  Pass the Spruceton Inn on the right, West Kill Brewing on the left and the large Rusk Mountain Trailhead parking lot on the left. Park at the next parking lot on the right.

DONT FORGET TO REGISTER. Email mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657.

This is conjunction with Hudson River Valley Ramble.

Hike: Rips Retreat and Alligator Rock at 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.

Eve of the Strawberry Full Moon Hike at North South Lake

    • 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.