Local Historians Discuss History of Wright, Gallupville

By Bradley Towle

GALLUPVILLE — On Saturday, November 23rd, Town of Wright “lifers” Jim Plue, Chris Claus, Don Van Steele, Jim Wolford, Richard Sherman, Dave Pelepzuck, and Mark Soltzenburg gathered at the Gallupville House for a recorded look back at the town’s history. The roundtable was the brainchild of Gallupville House neighbor Curt Van Steele. Van Steele recorded audio and video, which he will edit and ultimately donate copies to the Town of Wright Historical Society and the Schoharie County Historical Society.

There were many laughs as the seven men looked back on shared memories and bygone eras of the Wright community as they discussed youthful mischief, summer jobs, local legends, and more. Jim Plue expressed his regret at chopping up a ’57 Chevy at the age of 13 to make a Doodlebug. Richard Sherman recalled joining the Gallupville Fire Department so he could have access to their pool table at 16. They all marveled at the number of businesses that had existed at one time, now long since gone. “There was a lot of commerce in this town,” said one of the men as they recalled the tin smiths, meat markets, gas stations, farms, a funeral parlor, and more.

All of the men agreed with Jim Plue’s assessment of the arrival of television on the community, particularly The Gallupville House, which they remembered as the central area for the community to gather, a gathering spot impacted by televisions in homes. “I’m not convinced it was a benefit,” said Plue.

Chris Claus noted that summer reruns also meant a return to community gatherings. Sherman remembered the floor of the Gallupville House bouncing during square dances. They remembered ice skating parties at Echo Pond, signaled by a large bonfire with hot chocolate from “Grandma Westfall.”

There was talk of softball leagues at Bogardus’s Grove and pickup softball games behind the firehouse with neighborhood kids of all ages (required to complete a roster).

Looming large over the talk was the presence of Chet Zimmer. They recalled the chicken farmer and historian for his generosity, curiosity, and ingenuity. Zimmer had employed many at one time or another, and it was apparent on this Saturday morning in 2024 that his influence could still be felt in town. It’s likely that a history project, like Curt Van Steele’s would have been right up Zimmer’s alley. The event was open to the public.