Local History by Dede Terns-Thorpe - HopONose

The Late James D. Pinckney, author of Sketches of the Catskills” shared his thoughts on the HopONose.

In speaking of the Dubois family, the book said John Dubois occupied the farm lying on the West side of the Catskill, near its confluence with the Hudson. He said it was a pleasant location, commanding a fine view of the river, embracing Bompies Hook (the Catskill Point) and the Sand Planchy on the north, and the Vly on the east and south, suggesting a wide expanse of swamp. To the west of John Dubois’s farm, the ground gradually rises, until it reaches the elevated level which crowns “the Hoponose.” The author said, [And here, permit me to say that I have never yet learned the true significance or origin of this name.] He went on to say that in his boyhood there was a tradition that a drunken Indian agreed to hop from the hill into the Creek, for a pint of whiskey, and that, in the performance of the feat, he fell on his nose and broke it- hence “Hop-on-Nose.”

The book said, the Catskill Point – Bompies Hook (when Hudson, in 1609, was exploring the river, was a little island, covered with rich greens, and lay a sparkling gem in mid-river, having no artificial connection with the mainland, as now, to break the harmony of the water view.

Thanks for reading. It’s been a pleasure reading Sketches of the Catskills. Thanks to the residents of Greene County for bringing us to where we are today.

Stay safe and be well.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunterhistorian@gmail.com