TRR photo by David Hulse The horse ridden by Revolutionary War re-enactor and former Lumberland Supervisor Paul Brennan was a popular attraction with children attending Highland’s 150th anniversary celebration at the Minisink Battlefield on Saturday. (Click for larger image)

Rain shortens Highland celebration

By DAVID HULSE

MINISINK FORD, NY — Highland picked a summer day to celebrate its December sesquicentennial and still had problems with weather.

But Supervisor Allan Schadt said two thirds of a celebration was better than none at all as about 200 persons were served a pancake breakfast and another 100 or so attended ceremonies at the Minisink Battleground Park.

But afternoon and evening rains shortened a planned carnival at Eldred Central School and the big fireworks finale was simply out of the question.

At the battleground ceremonies, Schadt received congratulatory remarks from state Senator John Bonacic, and proclamations marking the anniversary from Legislator Kathy LaBuda for the Sullivan County Legislature, Supervisor John LiGreci for Highland’s mother Town of Lumberland and Supervisor George J. Fluhr on behalf of Pennsylvania neighbors in Shohola Township.

A program of town history stretched through four presentations from pre-history to the rise of the boarding house industry.

Ed Higgs of the National Park Service described the lifestyle and customs of the Lenape Indians.

Town of Delaware historian Mary Curtis said the best way to understand a period of history is through a single person’s life. In outlining colonial life in the valley, she chose her forbearer Bezaleel Tyler, who may have been the first colonial militia man killed at the Battle of Minisink.

	TRR photo by David Hulse County Legislator Kathy LaBuda’s 150th birthday presentation at Highland’s Saturday celebration also included presentation of a copy of the newly finished highway version of the Route 97 scenic byway sign. Supervisor Allan Schadt is pictured accepting the sign, with state Senator John Bonacic, left. Byway committee member, historian Peter Osborne, right, also took part in the presentation. (Click for larger image)

Peter Osborne of the Minisink Valley Historical Society quoted Highland’s first Supervisor John W. Johnston in his description of canal days in the region during the 19th century. The Minisink Valley Historical Society provided Johnston’s historic original manuscript for the publication of the local history, “Reminiscences,” which is sold through the Town of Highland.

Sullivan County Historian and Barryville resident John Conway brought the town’s history up to date with his account of the railroad’s influence in creating the Highland’s boarding house, tourism industry.

Despite the rain later in the day, Schadt said he was pleased with the event and would present the idea of doing an annual celebration.