Fun in the Sun - Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Village of Margaretville’s Incorporation

Burr Hubbell with the 1907 family Maxwell, One of the eight classic vehicles on display.

Corinne & Gerard Debari of Catskill Embers whose pizzas were very popular.

John Bernhardt as Dr. Orson Allaben, one of the founders of Margaretville, and Catherine Decker,wife of George Decker, a mover and shaker in early Margaretville.

Gina Hanzlik, whose stellar voice concluded the day with a concert.
Tom Fiterman of Sue's Garage band
Senator Pete Oberacker, Assemblyman Brian Maher, Mayor John Hubble and Trustee Iris Mead enjoying the celebration.

By Iris Mead

MARGARETVILLE — The sun shone, the humidity was tolerable, and the two closed blocks of Margaretville’s Main Street were filled with vendors and businesses, and there was Dancing in the Street. Sue’s Garage, a seven-member band from Roxbury played 60’s and 70’s rock to keep the celebration going till 7:00 PM.

Almost on the dot of 4:00, as advertised, a large crowd, estimated at 200, formed in front of the historic Bussy Building at Walnut and Main Streets for a community picture. Following in the tradition of previous community photos taken in 1979 and 2000, Joan Lawrence Bauer got the crowd in place and smiling as the Mountain Eagle’s own Rob Brune, standing on an 8’ ladder in the middle of the street, aided by known photographer Alan Powell, on a fire escape above the sidewalk, took the third iconic photograph of community spirit.

The crowd then dispersed to check out the businesses, taste spirits from Union Grove Brewstillary, wine-taste at Margaretville Liquor Store, and enjoy Mexican food from Sacred Soil. Hamburgers were also cooked on the grill by Freshtown, Balkan specialities from Oda, tacos from Café Marguerite and Catskill Mountain Embers famous pizza. The Margaretville Central School’s Class of 2028 was busy selling hot and cold food and beverages, and ice cream cones were very popular. Souvenir t-shirts, designed specially for the 150th celebration, were selling briskly at The Happy Giraffe’s table.

The colorful Westchester Medical Center’s Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) bus drove up from Valhalla for the day and conducted basic health screenings free of charge. Fairview Library was busy with children’s activities and book sales. There were a lot of oohs and ahs when viewing the classic and custom cars on display. Especially capturing the crowd’s attention was the 1907 Maxwell touring car that has been in the Hubbell family for years. There was a chance to cool off in the Village Hall while viewing a display of early photographs of Margaretville and panels showing historical facts about the village and the Galli Curci theater. A scavenger hunt was an ongoing event during the afternoon. Former residents of Margaretville, Dr. Orson Allaben (portrayed by John Bernhardt) and Catherine Decker (portrayed by Connie Jeffers) mingled with the crowd to relate their stories of early Margaretville. Then the band started rockin’ and people started dancin’ in the street.

To end the day on a high note, literally speaking, Gina Hanzlik, a classically trained soprano, presented a concert of 12 songs that, through her research, had a connection in some way to the Catskills. Accompanying her was Anna Stromer, a Grammy-nominated violist, and Dan Meinhardt, currently pianist for the NYC Ballet. They blended together seamlessly with Gina’s strong operatic voice. It was a beautiful way to end the day’s celebration.

The 150th celebration was coordinated by Iris Mead, Village Trustee, Diane Galusa, Historical Society of Middletown’s president, and Carol O’Beirne, President of the Chamber of Commerce. As Diane noted, a Sesquicentennial only comes around every 150 years, let’s celebrate it.