This, from the collection of Lillian Kraus, is a photo of a booth at the New York City’s Sportsmen’s Show, 1953, promoting Sullivan County as a destination. The general store-themed booth was created by Jim Purcell, pictured. Every year he and a group of others would run the booth. Jim is also known for organizing the town’s Chamber of Commerce and the town’s Christmas lighting and big star lighting. He is the brother of the late Sullivan County Clerk, Joe Purcell. 

Please share if you have more information about this picture. The Sullivan County Visitors’ Association, founded 1997, has come a long way since then, promoting the Delaware, Beaverkill and Willowemoc Rivers and other Sullivan County towns’ attractions. Check out the SCVA website www.scva.net for brochures, trip planning, accommodations and maybe your next destination. 

The Cochecton Preservation Society meets the first Tuesday of the month March through October, 7 p.m. at the Erie Depot, 8537 Rt. 97. Visit Cochectonpreservationsociety.com, email cps12726@gmail.com or call 845/932-8104. Tours by appointment.