Historic histrionics

History of Bethel enacted into two vibrant acts to mark town’s 200th anniversary

By RICHARD A. ROSS

BETHEL, NY - From the prologue singing telling tales of the Leni Lenape Indians, the enactment of the arrival of early settlers in Lumberland wilderness right up to the Elysium Fields of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, a packed house audience at the Dr. Cornelius Duggan Elementary School on March 28 were treated to a re-enactment of Bethel history in two remarkable acts on March 28.

Following an introduction by Bethel Bicentennial Chairwoman clerk Rita J. Sheehan and the presentation of a Proclamation from New York State honoring the town’s 200th Anniversary presented by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther from the 98the Assembly District, the historical journey began as the rapt audience sat transfixed.

In the first Act entitled Beth’ EL (House of God): a pre-Victorian Tableau of a Resplendent Catskill Haven written and directed by G. Oliver King, the town’s colorful history began to lavishly and authentically unfold with stunning costumes, sets and scenes that brought the various eras to life.

Act One began with a prologue circa 1750 with a Tale of the Leni Lenape Indians and brought viewers to the Wilderness of Lumberland and the Arrival of the First Bethel Settlers (1796-1802), Crocker’s Tavern and the First Village Justice (1805), The Village of Bethel and the White Lake Presbytery Society (1808), The First Town Board Meeting at the home of William Brown (1810) an the Emancipation of Hannah in the Bethel Town Hall in 1823, King’s drama entranced and informed the audience with hallmarks of the town’s early history. The cast of 25 that ranged in age from toddlers to senior citizens brought many of Bethel’s original families to life including the Pintlers, Hurds, Frasers, Fultons, Crumleys and other historical icons including Hannah Johnson a former slave who arrived in area via the underground railroad.

Sets were designed by Rachel Keebler of Cobalt Studios, sets were by Harold Tighe and Jim Schmidt of the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop, Costumes were by Rita Tepan of Atir Creatios. Musical direction was by Vicky Vassmer Simpson with vocals by Kenneth Rodgers and Oliver King.

In Act II entitled The Golden Age of Tourism, Duggan students portrayed a getaway to the Catskills, arrival at the famous White Lake Mansion House, White Lake and Gray’s Casino an the Caged Rats and Hot Music and finally a Woodstock on stage musical rendition of “Let the Sunshine In. Marianne Harden served as the Programme Coach, Cathy McFadden as the Duggan Teacher in charge.

Kudos to both groups of players and the supporting crew for an informative and delightful journey back in time.

Click here for a photo album. CDs of nearly 200 pictures can be purchased for $25 dollars from The River Reporter, P.O. Box 150 Narrowsburg, NY 12764.