Dedicating the Delaware River Heritage Trail

Newly published companion guide available

By SANDY LONG

PORT JERVIS, NY — As executive director of the Minisink Valley Historical Society (MVHS) for the past 25 years, Peter Osborne has a love of place that puts the publishing of the “Delaware River Heritage Trail Guide” right into perspective. “It’s the most beautiful thing we’ve ever published in-house at Minisink Press,” said Osborne.

Osborne researched and wrote the new guide, which is free and will be available at a special dedication ceremony scheduled for Saturday, September 23 at 10:00 a.m. in Riverside Park. Following a short program, refreshments will be provided by the mayor’s office and a tour guide will be available to lead an informative walk along a short section of the trail.

Originally built in the early 90s, the trail was created to encourage walkers, hikers, tourists and residents to enjoy the city’s historic sites and river vistas. In 1996, the trail was doubled in length, with improved markings and the inclusion of the city’s most important historic sites with the support of a grant from Orange and Rockland Utilities.

A 2006 grant was obtained through NY State Senator John Bonacic’s office to upgrade the trail, create the new guide, develop three sections of trail compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide new directional signage.

The refurbished trail is now the longest municipally owned trail along the Upper Delaware River. “Within the trail’s six miles, we have three spectacular views of the river, tied together with most of the city’s historic sites,” noted Osborne.

The trail has been further enhanced with the publishing of the guide, which is generating considerable interest in the region. “What has really surprised me is the fabulous reception to the guide. I’ve even been asked to autograph it!” said Osborne.

The enhanced trail and its companion guide are the result of the combined efforts of many individuals, organizations and agencies over a sustained period of time. The illustrated 40-page booklet contains a map of the trail and a history of the area. It will be available through the offices of the city, the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce, the MVHS and local businesses.

Osborne is thrilled to see the lengthy project completed, but perhaps the most special aspect for him involved working with Tom Burrows, the architect who designed the new ADA-compliant sections of the trail.

Unfortunately, Burrows, of Action Toward Independence (ATI) died before seeing the project completed. ATI is an organization serving Sullivan and Orange counties dedicated to improving quality of life and increasing opportunities for people with disabilities.

“Tom was just a wonderful man to work with,” said Osborne. “He would have been so proud to see the final results of the project.”

In addition to the guide, Minisink Press is publishing three additional titles during the coming year: “Vigilance and Perseverance: The History of the Old Decker Stone House,” “Hail Matamoras” (a collection of vignettes and stories) and “A Centennial History of Port Jervis.” For more information, visit www.minisink.org or call 845/856-2375.