Hunter-Tannersville to Embark on $13.6 Million Capital Project

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — Last May, voters approved a $13,646,000 capital project that is expected to commence in the summer of 2025. The project, greenlit last year by a decisive 165-107 vote margin, aims to revolutionize school infrastructure and enhance the overall learning environment for students and the broader community. The construction phase is expected to last approximately 14 months, with much of the work completed by August 2026.

The project, crafted through extensive stakeholder engagement and thorough analysis, utilized tools like a Thought Exchange survey. The district also sought input from various stakeholders to ensure the project's priorities resonated with the community's needs.

According to the newly appointed superintendent, Dr. Vincent Butera, architect John Sharkey will oversee this endeavor. Delhi-based Schoolhouse Services, LLC will perform the construction. 

In an email, Dr. Butera said the District has worked successfully with both parties in the past and is "very pleased to be doing so again."

Collaborative efforts were instrumental in shaping a comprehensive plan that addresses critical areas identified in the 2022-23 Building Condition Survey (BCS), which the New York State Education Department (NYSED) mandates every five years.

The Survey's objectives include rectifying infrastructure deemed "unsatisfactory" or "failed" in the BCS report. This includes as-needed upgrades to ensure the safety, proper ventilation, and overall functionality of district facilities. It includes things like building temperature, fire safety, and much more.

The 2025 Capital Project is "tax neutral," and according to the District will not impose an additional burden on taxpayers. According to the NYSED, the District's enrollment has steadily declined. For the 1999/2000 school year, the district had 561 students. There were 323 students districtwide for the 2022/2023 school year.  

Highlights of the project include the construction of a dedicated auditorium for drama productions and public meetings, a new and expanded school gymnasium, fitness center, fitness room, tennis courts, and additional parking facilities. These enhancements cater to students' evolving needs and aim to foster greater community engagement and involvement. The new facilities will be available for community use outside school hours, providing a space for recreational activities and community events.

Safety is also a concern for HTC, reflected in proposed measures such as installing an automatic lockdown button and digital signage with flashing lights to alert occupants in emergencies. Furthermore, plans entail implementing automatic door badges for staff, providing enhanced control over room access for added security.

According to the District, Hunter-Tannersville has been working on its safety improvements for approximately six years.

Land acquisition plays a pivotal role in realizing the project's objectives, with plans to purchase an adjacent parcel from The Hunter Foundation for the new tennis courts and parking lot. According to The Hunter Foundation's Executive Director Sean Mahoney, negotiations are underway for the parcel.

The scope of improvements extends across both Hunter Elementary and Tannersville Middle/High Schools.

The Board of Education recently approved an increase of $10,000 to purchase 0.71 acres next to the Elementary School in Hunter from the Village, bringing the total cost of the parcel to $50,000. The district will use the space to add 50 new parking spaces and another entrance off Route 23A. Village Mayor Alan Higgins said the site was originally appraised at $125,000. 

Bathroom fixtures from 1935 will be updated, as will the 90-year old ceiling. The existing parking lot will be resurfaced. The Elementary School’s playground area will also be updated.

Funding for the capital project will be sourced from the district's Capital Reserve Fund and bonding, with the Board of Education (BOE) receiving approval to expend $3,045,000 from reserves and bond the remaining $10,601,000.

Dr. Butera said, "We look forward to working with the team to ensure that the project is completed as envisioned and that it continues to support our goal of providing students with greater access and opportunities and allows us to build strong connections with the community."

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Hunter's Highway Department Tackles Tricky Terrain

Robert Blain (left) and Josh Lacey. Photo by Max Oppen.

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — The Town of Hunter's Highway Department has been hard at work revitalizing a dangerous stretch of Platte Clove Road (County Route 16), an integral part of the Mountain Clove Scenic Byway. According to Town of Hunter Highway Superintendent Robert Blain, significant renovations to the road have been underway for about five years.

Repairs include widening the road, bank stabilization, and culvert installation.

Known locally as the "back mountain road," this challenging segment of highway winds steeply through the terrain, earning a reputation among travelers as a risky shortcut to Saugerties and Woodstock. The narrow, winding road poses difficulties for drivers, while its scenic allure draws hikers, leaf peepers seeking adventure, and the occasional lost semi-truck looking for a way out.

The Back Mountain Road is a seasonal highway, approximately two miles long, from top to bottom. It is typically closed from November 15 to April 15. Due to necessary repairs, it will open late this year. Blain expects it to open in about three weeks.  

Funding for this extensive project has been a collaborative effort, as the Town of Hunter's Deputy Superintendent John Farrell elaborated: "We did our first work in the 90s." Farrell says the repairs are funded by various state, federal, and local sources.

Farrell, who served as the Town of Hunter's Highway Superintendent for 33 years starting in 1989, has been in his current role for two or three years. 

Farrell reflected on the road's history: "When I first arrived, there were caved-in spots. Every 10-15 years, we'd redo them." He mentioned the historical use of hemlock logs by highway workers during the Depression era up until the 1980s. They've even found rotten railroad ties dating back to the 1960s. 

"We've found truck axles drilled into the side of the mountain. We've also found petrified wood," shared Farrell, highlighting the road's historical significance and occasional encounters with unusual artifacts.

Farrell estimates about 25 cars are sitting at their final resting places over the edge of the road.

Despite a weight limit of 4-4.5 tons, tractor-trailers occasionally attempt to navigate the road, leading to complications. Blain recounted an incident from a couple of years ago when a semi-truck became stranded at the bottom of the road during the winter, necessitating extensive efforts from the Town to clear the way. Josh Lacey, a heavy equipment operator for Kevin Thompson Excavating, said many errant trucks are led that way via GPS despite existing truck routes. Lacey said, "That's our biggest issue on this road because it's the fastest route for some of them."

Lacey has been instrumental in the road's transformation over the past five years. Operating heavy machinery and documenting the progress on social media, Lacey's work showcases the intricacies of what he calls, "high-angle excavating." He operates a 25-ton excavator and can get into some pretty hairy situations. During the winter months, Lacey operates a groomer at Hunter Mountain.

Blain commended Lacey's dedication as the project continued, stating, "He's gotten into some crazy situations. He loves it back here."

The Town has installed several bluestone boulders in an active rock slide area. As you travel the road, you’ll notice these boulders stabilizing the steep banks for long stretches. 

When Hurricane Irene hit the mountaintop, it washed out a section of Route 23A, the main road out of Town. The back mountain road survived, providing a crucial thoroughfare for folks to get on and off the mountain. "This was the only road that held up," said Lacey. That's what's nice about saving this road. When the [front mountain] road is closed, we still have access to this one." 

The Town has fortified the road's infrastructure against erosion and instability using materials sourced from local providers such as Carver Sand & Gravel out of Schoharie, Peckham Materials in Catskill, and the mine owned by Craig Bates just up the street. The Town has the material delivered to the top of the mountain and uses its equipment to transport it to them.

Blain acknowledged the challenges faced by his team and urged patience from the public. "People don't always see the extent of our work," he remarked, highlighting the year-round efforts required to maintain the road's safety and accessibility.

With ongoing efforts to stabilize the terrain and enhance safety measures, the Town of Hunter's Highway Department remains committed to ensuring the back mountain road remains a vital artery for residents and visitors.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Woven Currents Coming to the Prattsville Arts Center

By Michael Ryan

PRATTSVILLE - There are multiplicitous creative sides to Judd Weisberg, two of which will be on display at the opening of “Woven Currents,” this weekend (April 27) at the Prattsville Arts Center.

The show “explores the swirling currents and musical pitches of

Northern Catskill mountain streams,” the Center website states.

This is being done through a multi-media collaboration involving Weisberg and pianist Yi-heng Yang, inter-weaving their talents.

And the exhibit reaches into the fabric of the community and beyond. “We are very fortunate to have a partnership between a small town and these artists,” Arts Center director Nancy Barton says.

“Woven Currents,” running through the end of May, is sponsored through a grant program by CREATE Council on the Arts and the town of Prattsville.

Weisberg, a resident of the town of Lexington, is a well-known fly-fisherman  and teacher, perhaps lesser known for his artistic adventures.

Yi-heng Yang was inspired to respond in her playing to drawings created by Weisberg and will perform a group of composed and improvised music on harpsichord, putting those feelings to melody.

Their expressions are melded for “Woven Currents” with a deja’ vu in late June at the Doctorow Center in the town of Hunter.

“Judd is a frequent visitor to our Center. He started sharing his drawings with us and one thing led to another,” Barton says.

“The result is this retrospective on his works and the amazing appearance by Yi-heng Yang.” The opening goes from 2 to 5 p.m. with the concert happening at 3 p.m. There is no charge for admission.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Fundraising Goal Reached for Veterans Monument

By Michael Ryan

JEWETT - The financing is falling into place in such a way as to make it seem a Veterans Monument was always meant to be in Jewett.

Town councilman John Giordano, at a recent meeting, gave an update on the memorial which, when initially proposed, was fiscally daunting.

It was only a short while ago that Giordano informed fellow officials it would cost approximately $20,000, not tapping into taxpayer dollars.

“We are hoping to raise the money in three months and take six months to build it, dedicating it by the end of 2024,” Giordano said at the time.

“I can see this coming together. This is going to happen. Just talking about this monument gives me chills,” Giordano said.

Not knowing how it would work, Giordano spearheaded a fundraising effort that, faster than you can say Jack Robinson, has nearly reached its goal.

Starting from scratch, Giordano reported that close to $16,000 had been collected, allowing the town to put a down payment on the monument.

Giordano said he would meet with Henderson Monuments in Catskill to commence design of the stone that will contain up to 300 names.

Presuming all goes well, and there is no reason to believe everything won’t, the memorial is expected to be set along Route 23C, across from the municipal building and next to the current 9/11 tribute.

Giordano, in his report, noted exactly half of the 20 G’s came in one fell swoop through the Greene County Legislature.

Lawmaker James Thorington (District 6, Jewett, Ashland, Prattsville and Windham) provided $10,000, securing a Wayne Speenburgh grant.

Speenburgh, the former legislature chairman, had childhood roots on the mountaintop, having the grant dedicated to him after his passing.

Giordano has also been teaming up with veteran’s groups in the area such as VFW Post #1545 in Windham, accumulating more donations.

Not resting until the task is completed, volunteers are preparing for a rootin’  tootin’ “Chili Cookoff” on Saturday, May 25, serving from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at VFW Post #1545 on Route 23 on the west end of Windham.

A Silent Auction will be part of the Cookoff with the various donated chili dishes being judged by Stumps Be Gone business owner Tony Geslak, Jewett town clerk May Carl and town councilman John Pumilia.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. There is no entry fee for the chefs. There will be a donation of $5 per person to enter. Chili will be two bucks a bowl with “live” music from Mountain Justice.

In other matters:

—Council members approved a resolution permitting participants in the upcoming Manitou’s Revenge Ultramarathon to pass through town.

Competitors are expected to be virtually unnoticed, sticking to backwoods routes, beginning June 22 at 5 a.m. on the far boundaries of the town of Windham, outside the hamlet of Maplecrest.

Manitou’s Revenge is no simple sojourn, emphasizing, on its website, that those who sign up must be “highly qualified and/or completely deranged.”

Originating in 2013, Manitou’s Revenge is a 53- mile ultramarathon through the Catskills beginning in Windham on the northern Black Dome Trail and then mostly following the Long Path from Acra Point all the way to downtown Phoenicia.

“This is not like any other ultra you’ve run before,” the website states. “This is a grueling, gnarly, nasty course with approximately 15,000 ft. of climbing, much of it rocky and precipitous.

“To be sure, there are some runnable sections, but you will more often find yourself hiking uphill or down, sometimes hand over hand.

“Expect this course to take you much longer than your average 50- miler. That’s why we are allowing 23 hrs. to complete this monster. 

“You will have to be reasonably self-sufficient. To make matters worse, the course gets progressively more difficult as you go along!

“And to top it all off, the average runner will have to tackle this hardest terrain in the dark. So, there must be something that makes this race worthwhile, right???” their website states

“Yes, the Catskills are truly scenic and wonderful, when you can look up every now and then to sneak a peek, and this will certainly become a memorable experience for anyone who takes on the challenge.”

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Wind Law Hearing Set for May 9 in Jefferson

By Liz Page

JEFFERSON  – A change in criteria delayed the public hearing on the draft changes to the town of Jefferson's Wind Law until May 9, after it was learned the town planning board must first approve the law before it goes to the County Planning Commission. That hearing will be at 7 p.m. and the revised draft of the law is available on the town's website or from the Jefferson Town Clerk.

Jefferson Town Board members approved the sale of the Post Office building at the intersection of Creamery Street and Park Ave. to Postal Realties. The company owns numerous USPS properties. A motion was made to sell the building "as is" for $105,000. The town has been leasing the building to the U.S. Postal Service for $15,000 per year and the 15-year lease was good until 2031, however, the town has never made any money, making expensive repairs to the building over the years. The building was the former fire station before being turned into a post office.

Board members also awarded a three-year contract for lawn mowing and trimming Alan Homestead Landscaping, a local company that shared the low bid at $6,950 per year. They also awarded the security upgrades at the town hall for a new doorway system with an intercom to buzz in approved visitors to Country Home Security. The new security will be packaged with existing security cameras, etcetera. The lock work will be done by Stinson, a locksmith. The town currently contracts with Johnson Controls, but they no longer service this area. There is money in the building fund, according to Supervisor Peggy Hait, to pay for the added security.

Code Enforcement Officer Rich Irwin will seek a quote for the entire system to be monitored and tested by Country Home Security and they will be asked to make a presentation at the May meeting.

Town Clerk Vanessa Irwin updated town board members on problems with the online payment of property taxes. She said other towns have also had problems, which has resulted in incorrect payments. It will be the topic at a meeting of the clerks in the county, which was canceled due to a storm.

Supervisor Hait said she would like to review Williamson Law Books to see if they have a program. The issue has upset a number of taxpayers throughout the county. "I think the county is going to make a decision to change companies," said Irwin.

Councilman Don VanValkenburg reported on the Heritage Day Committee. He said the Jefferson Fire Dept. will be in the parade, but they will not be doing a chicken barbecue or other activities. He said a number of suggestions for other activities on that day have included such things as Touch a Truck, a dog show, a blacksmith demonstration, a photography booth, with Mill Pond, and the Breakfast Club in the parade. They have picked up a couple of new volunteers and more are needed, he said. The next meeting is on April 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Supervisor Hait said she has found shades to meet the requirements mandated by the Unified Court System that the courthouse windows must be shaded. The shades allow you to see outside, but not inside. The cost of the shades will be paid through a grant.

She said an ambulance will be needed for Heritage Day and she said the Jefferson Fire Dept. has requested a paid EMT through the county. She said it is something that is being done by other departments, due to the lack of volunteers. The county is hiring more EMTs and now has 19 full-time EMS on the payroll. Jefferson already has an ambulance and with a hired EMT would need a driver, said Hait. 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Four Running for Two Seats at SCS; Unopposed Races at MCS

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE VALLEY - Two incumbents will be running for two seats on the Middleburgh school bard later this month while four people will be seeking two seats in Schoharie, including three newcomers.

The public vote will be on Tuesday, May 21.

MIDDLEBURGH

Running for the two vacant seats in Middleburgh will be long-time board members Pam Standhart and Becky Binder.

Ms. Standhart served as board president for many years before stepping back this year, though she still remained on the board. Ms. Binder has been board vice president for several years.

The seats are for three years.

SCHOHARIE

Four people are seeking two school board seats in Schoharie, including one incumbent and three newcomers.

Incumbent Lynda Lewandowski is running for re-election. Also running are newcomers: Brad Bruno, Ph.D., Steven Underwood, and Laura Rosenthal

Two seats are expiring, currently held by Ms. Lewandowski and Lance Hellstrom.

The seats are for three years.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

WWI Soldier's Letters Tell Story of Life & Times

By Liz Page

JEFFERSON – A new book "Dear Mama, Papa & All" tells the story of a World War I Marine from Jefferson who made the ultimate sacrifice. The book is published by the Jefferson Historical Society and is a collaboration between historical society members Stephanie Ruquet and Kevin Berner at the request of Franklin Skidmore Jr..

Ruquet wipes a tear and even Berner got a little blushed as they told how Carl Skidmore enlisted in the Marines and how a few months later, as his family was preparing for his joyful return, only to learn that he had already died from the wounds he suffered in one of the last battles of the war. He died just as the war was coming to an end on Nov. 1, 1918.

"Imagine how they were so elated to learn the war was coming to an end and that he would be coming home soon, only to find out he had already died," said Ruquet. His final letter told his family not to worry and he asked the nurse to send it. He died a short time later, without his family knowing until they were in the process of making all those preparations for his return.

Ruquet was impressed with the letters written back and forth an how much they revealed of the life and times.

When Skidmore's family received a Christmas Package coupon it caused confusion that he might still be alive. However, a letter confirmed Carl had died in the last great drive of the war, which began on Nov.1, the date of his death. It was known as the Argonne Drive. He was severely wounded in the thigh by a shell that exploded nearby, according to a letter sent by a Red Cross nurse who spent his final hours with him. She said he went into a coma and never awakened, as he was sent to be warmed and stabilized for surgery.

"I am writing to tell you the few details I know of your son's death. He came to us on Nov. 1 after having received a severe wound in the thigh, from a shell which had fallen very near him.

"As he had gone over the top after the Roches in this last battle, beginning yesterday. He was in very bad shape and was taken to the ward to warm up and strengthen before they operated on him. But he grew weaker and weaker and finally fell into a deep sleep from which he never woke up and died at 10:45 p.m. He wanted me to write and tell you that he was wounded but not to worry. He didn't think he was very seriously wounded and was not suffering very much. He was buried today by a Chaplain in an American Cemetery. The name of the town will be told you later on. I do deeply sympathize with the loss of your son Mrs. Skidmore, and if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know." It is signed by Rose Peabody, Home Communication Service of the American Red Cross.

His remains were later brought home as the family asked.

Skidmore's letters home to his family and his friend's letters to him provide a glimpse of the life and times in Jefferson, on the war front, and in New York City.

He asks who is taking care of his horse, Kit, on the farm in Clapper Hollow. The longer he remains on the war front, the more he asks how family members are doing. His stepmother writes often about his youngest step brother Frank, who was beginning to walk and talk. His stepmother writes one time that it is difficult for her to write as little Frank was being somewhat of a pest.

Once you begin reading the letters, you become riveted. You can tell he's homesick. He's in a country where the people are kind, but he can't understand their language. He talks about being safe and okay and able to eat his three meals. "Don't worry about me. I won't be able to stand it if I know you are worrying about me. I am fine."

He always addressed his letters to Mama, Papa, and All and usually signed them with love and lots of kisses. Mail calls when troops were on the move during the war became a valued time, hoping you received mail and to learn about what was going on back home. There were long lapses from the time letters were written and  to the time they were received.

Skidmore enlisted two days after his 22nd birthday and was stationed in France. Remarkably his letters home and the letters written to him were preserved.

His father was born in Jefferson and Frank Skidmore Jr., Carl's nephew, inherited the materials and the letters that had been preserved by the family. Himself a historian who had written books on the family's history, he had hoped to write the book but felt he was aging out and asked the right two people to lend a hand.

"He just got to the point where he felt he couldn't do it," said Ruquet."He contacted us to write the book."

It has taken two years to accomplish. "I didn't think I would get so heavily involved," said Ruquet, but she became fascinated by the story of his life and all the information. She credits Frank Skidmore with having the information organized for them. 

Berner's grandfather, Will, was a friend of Carl Skidmore and the book contains his letter to his friend.

"The letters contain a lot of information about Jefferson's life. The letters have been chronologically arranged along with newspaper clippings and other memorabilia, such as his enlistment papers.

"He loved being a Marine and he tells about ordinary life. He loved his church and he loved he Masons," said Ruquet.

She purposely looked up items that substantiated or clarified the information, such as the ship he sailed out on and the ship he was forced to transfer to after the original ship caught fire. There are pictures of the one-room school and his classmates. There are artifacts provided by Skidmore's nephew.

He and his older brother, Ashley, were both members of the Masons, like their grandfather. He talks about meeting some other soldiers who were also Masons.

The base of operations for the JHS is the old Jefferson Masonic Hall, also known as Judd Hall, giving connection to his family.

His letters home from the battlefield had to be approved by a senior officer, to make sure they didn't tell of the bad things or disclose any battle strategies. The letters were initialized by a censor, who read all the outgoing mail. 

Originally buried in France, Carl Skidmore now rests in Jefferson's Evergreen Cemetery, brought home to rest beside his birth mother, Mary Baird Skidmore, who died when he was just 10 weeks old.

His stepmother, Leona, came into his life at an early age. In addition to his older brother, Ashley,  he had two step-brothers, Frank and Morris, who were very close. Frank Skidmore Jr. is the son of Carl's stepbrother.

Their father, Morris Wellington Skidmore, was born in Summit. He died at age 62, while his second wife, Leona, was 80 when she passed in Florida in 1955.

Berner, who is president of the Jefferson Historical Society, has authored several history books and holds a keen interest in history and Jefferson's history in particular. He was able to provide many of the photos from his vast collection of historical images. It is the first book for Ruquet, who is a trustee and treasurer for the JHS. "It was quite a learning process," she admits. "We worked on some things separately and some together." 

Now they are both working on new books, separately.  Berner is hoping this fall to give a presentation about the book and to have dramatic readings of the letters by various people. He has had many people volunteer to do the readings. He also hopes to present it to the eighth-grade students at Jefferson Central School, with the students also reading the letters. "I would like to see a dramatic reading of the letters," he said.

Ruquet is determined to tell the stories of those who didn't return home to go on and live their lives. There were 60 men from Jefferson who served in WWI. All but four returned home. Skidmore was the only war fatality, the others died of sickness. She wants to tell their stories and points to the monument in Evergreen Cemetery that lists their names. She believes it is important for people to know about those who had their lives cut short after committing to defend our nation.

The book is available at the Jefferson Historical Society or at Cat Nap Books in Cobleskill. The cost is $30.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Another 'Queen' Hotel Comes Down in Stamford

By Liz Page

STAMFORD   – While the former Westholm hotel at 136 West Main Street in the village of Stamford outlasted many of its Queen of the Catskills counterparts, operating into the 1990s, its final chapter has been written. It was demolished this week, one more nail in the coffin of the Turn of the Century Grand Hotel Era that put Stamford on the map as a popular tourist destination.

It operated as a hotel for 65 consecutive summers. It did not open in 1982 for the first time and was then sold to Pete and Linda Songdale and George Monser, who opened it as the Four Seasons Motor Lodge. They opened the dining room to the public. It was then sold to Richard Straus, who operated the bar at the Four Seasons for several years before its closing. It is now owned by a downstate woman who had hoped to renovate it into a boutique hotel and spa. 

Sitting idle for a number of years, the building began to deteriorate and was condemned by the village of Stamford Code Enforcement Officer a few years ago. The building made its way through the legal process with the village obtaining ownership recently which is allowing them to raze the building.

The Westholm was constructed in 1890 by H. S. Preston. It was billed as the hotel with the home atmosphere and friendly service.

It started as a boarding house with rooms for forty people. It had modern improvements for "the convenience and comfort of the refined and a better class of summer visitors. There are large rooms and many of them are connecting." It was billed as having "remarkably, pleasant" views of both mountains and valleys. It was located within a five-minute walk of the train depot, post office and as many as  five churches.  Cost to stay was $10 per week.

The grandeur of the former hotel on West Main Street in the village of Stamford is long past for the neighbors who say it was a health hazard, as well as an eyesore.

Mariellen Myers complained to the village that her allergies were made worse by the mold emanating from the building and the rotting piles of building material. She said she could document that it was literally making her sick and was costly for the treatment of her allergies. 

On Monday, Myers contacted her neighbors by phone and there were cheers all around as they learned the huge building was actually coming down. The two will now be able to see one another across the empty lot.

"I can't believe it's finally happening said Cathy Hait. We've waited such a long time."

"Our nemesis will be gone," said Myers on the phone.

LCP Construction, of Vestal, moved in late Monday afternoon to begin setup to start the demolition and by 7 p.m. the front portion was coming down. Village trustees approved a quote of $265,00 from LDP in addition to $15,000 to backfill and air monitoring at a quote of $3,000 on April 2.

"The village has been working on the removal of the Westholm buildings for the past five years. While it was obvious to everyone that the buildings needed to come down, the barrier was twofold: The owner of the building would not cooperate, nor even communicate, with the village and the cost of removal was far beyond what the village could afford," said Mayor Schneider. "As the issue became more pressing the village decided to condemn the buildings. The condemnation process provides  30 days for the property owner to make mandated repairs or demolition after which time, should the property owner not carry out these repairs, the village becomes responsible for the property. On March  25   the village assumed responsibility for the situation at The Westholm and secured a loan to have the buildings demolished. The demolition cost of approximately $285.000.00 will be assessed to the property owner's village tax bill,  however, the village assumes that we will have to foreclose on the property which will give us the ability to sell the lot for partial recovery of the tax lien. The village may also seek grant opportunities for recovery of the expense of demolition. This has been a long and complex process and should serve as a warning to others who wish to purchase real estate in need of expensive renovation without the necessary funds available to do so."

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Local Wood Manufacturing Company To Close Its Doors

By Liz Page

STAMFORD –  For a couple of Stamford business owners, the lyrics to the Kenny Rogers song, the Gambler, "You have to know when to hold them and know when to fold them" is ringing true. After three-quarters of a century, they are folding their cards, phasing out their business and putting it on the market.

Catskill Craftsmen has been a staple of the local economy for 75 years, but the post-pandemic market and the increased minimum wage have been too much for them to try to keep playing their hand. Ten employees were laid off two weeks ago, three left last week and the plant that put Stamford on the map in wooden butcher block and cutting board sales, will be down to a skeleton crew. Soon, only the office will be open to continue sales to get rid of the remaining inventory.

It was one of the biggest butcher block manufacturers in the United States, but got its beginnings with encyclopedias. Local benefactor, Fred P. Murphy, started the company in 1948 to make shipping crates for Grolier Enterprises, which sold encyclopedias. He was the chairman of Grolier Enterprises. The manufacture turned from shipping crates to bookcases that would hold a complete set of the encyclopedias. The bookcases were made for all the major encyclopedia companies, with the exception of Brittanica. At the peak, they made 2,000 bookcases per day.

The Govern (Will Sr. and Eugene Sr.) brothers, who formed a partnership as building contractors in the early 1900's purchased the old grandstand and a pair of lots from what was the Stamford Fairground. It was operated by the Govern Brothers for several years. At times the company hired as many as 30 to 40 employees for the mill and contracting jobs. It was later owned by Vic Mahler, then Harry Peterson and  then John Tuit.

In 1945, Hector Taylor sold some property to Herbert Stewart, who opened a small woodworking shop at the site and built an addition in 1947. Tom Govern purchased it in 1950 and hired Stewart to serve as shop foreman. Each brought a brother into the operation and in 1952 it was sold to the Grolier Society. All of the employees were kept on and in organizing Catskill Craftsmen, Tom Govern was chosen president and director. Eugene Sr. was the chairman of the board. Jim Govern and their Uncle Will Sr. were vice presidents.  Eugene Jr. joined later and served as treasurer. The second generation, three Govern brothers, were involved in the business.

At Catskill Craftsmen, they first made shipping boxes for American Books-Stratford Press. It wasn't long before they began building the bookcases for the Grolier Encyclopedia. Hundred of thousands of bookcases were shipped from local post offices, according to a 1960s Mirror Recorder article.

The encyclopedias were sold by door-to-door salesmen and by the late  1960s, that changed. As microwaves became popular, so did the microwave carts that were then produced by Catskill Craftsmen. There were more than 80 people working over two shifts, most of them skilled craftsmen, employed by the company as they switched to microwave carts, cutting boards and butcher block tables. They produced a number of products, including breakfast bars, spice racks, towels bars and other items. They have also produced data movers and clocks.

The Govern brothers operated the company for Murphy, then Vic Mahler came in the mid-1970s. In 1988 Dave Carley, Dick Carpenter and Duncan Axtell took over ownership and then Axtell and Smith in 2001.

Axtell has been there since 1978, starting as an employee. Smith has been there for 33 years.

In 1995 they added equipment to turn their scrap wood into high quality wood pellets, selling them to employees and the local community. It eliminated the waste and provided a much-desired product. "We have already been getting calls from people who have had to switch to other wood pellets," said Smith. "Ours were made from solid wood, without any dirt or bark. They were made of solid wood, which burns hot and produced more heat."

"Since 2001, we have had a $1.5 million payroll annually," said Smith, who is the guy who crunches the figures. "They say that is multiplied seven times in the local community." With most of their sales to online retailers, they drew money from outside New York State and used local hardwood, hardware and labor. 

"At first Covid was a good thing," said Axtell. "People were staying at home and cooking, our warehouse was emptied during the pandemic."

When the pandemic was over, they worked hard to get people back to work and to get the products they needed to build back their inventory.

However, they will both tell you the increase in minimum wage from $9 to $15 per hour, hurt them most, creating a  $600,000 cost they couldn't pass on to consumers, as online retailers wanted prices dropped, not increased. "Our suppliers were going through the same thing and passing that cost on to us, but we couldn't pass it on. It was hard for us to absorb. Internet customers don't accept price increases," said Axtell.

"We have done well, except for the past five years or so," said Smith. "It has been a very painful decision to cease production and close operations."

They will now try to sell the business. "We just don't see any light at the end of the tunnel and we will sell the facility."

They feel they have done everything. They have tried to think of other products they could manufacture, adjusting as they have in the past. They added new equipment for production efficiency, a new cutting machine, a new sanding machine, attempting to become more efficient - then Covid happened and now they are battling inflation. That brand-new equipment now sits idle.                   

Before the minimum wage hike they employed 48 people. They purchased 500,000 board feet of lumber annually from local sawmills. We all know how the price of wood escalated, with lumber costs up 85 percent. Cardboard cartons, another item they used for shipping, increased substantially, along with the hardware and other items. The Deposit company that manufactured key component parts, went out of business.

"With inflation, people are spending their money on groceries, gas and heating oil," said Smith. "There is limited expendable income."

They are hoping there is another manufacturer out there with a more profitable woodworking operation and purpose. It is a turnkey woodworking operation. If that doesn't work, they will sell the 100,000-square-foot facility that sits on two parcels, totaling 13 acres.

The employees have been given severance pay. Some, like Axtell, have been there for decades. Many will be able to collect retirement.

It's priced to sell rapidly," said Smith. "We are hoping someone will buy it and do something with it that will hire people back."

The company now consists of a huge complex of buildings that Axtell and Smith are hoping will not sit idle for very long.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD