We all have our favorite songs or instruments we enjoy listening to. That exact sound, or melody of certain songs, brings back those nostalgic feelings or distinct memories. I want to showcase the sounds of the particular town this newspaper is published in, Narrowsburg, NY.

I was fortunate to be raised within the town limits, and let me tell you, for a small town, it sure has a lot of sounds. For anyone who has spent time in Narrowsburg, you’ve probably heard the church bells from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church ringing, or the fire station’s siren sounding at noon. These are just two of the more predictable sounds that vibrate through the airwaves of Narrowsburg daily.

More startling sounds that often catch folks by surprise are two that are shared with all the river towns. The whistle of the train, and the rumble of it as it passes through, usually during the nighttime hours, wakes any light sleepers within earshot. Then there is, of course, the sound of the fire siren when an emergency is taking place; the siren is heard for miles in every direction.

The particular variety of man-made sounds complements the incredible variety of song birds and eagle screeches best heard from an outside deck.

This small town has that collaborating sound effect of city and country life. You can hear a deer rustling in your bushes while the starlings and grackles chirp in flocks along the telephone wires. Then in the background, you’ll hear the hum of grains shooting through pipes at Narrowburg Feed and Grain, or the pigeons that live near the railroad bridge at the end of Main Street.

The small town of Narrowsburg has its own sound pulse that is unique to its location and local businesses.

You can hear the screams and splashes of people swimming beneath the bridge or boating down the peaceful Delaware River. In the evening, overlooking the river from Main Street, on the bridge, or at the riverside, you are sure to hear and see carp and other fish breaking the surface of the glassy river. Some of the splashes are ominous, fueling thoughts of the imagined river creatures that swim in the deepest hole in the Delaware River.

About 10 years ago, a construction project began to redeck the Narrowsburg bridge. After a long, arduous project that took longer than building the Governor Cuomo Bridge, our beloved bridge was stripped of its voice. A new deck had been engineered, and the grated deck that vibrated with an unforgettable tone over the river was gone. The end of an era, “the era of the singing bridge,” as long-time contributor to the River Reporter Grace Johansen would have said. Living within earshot of this sound was something that many Narrowsburg residents can relate to. Write in and let me know if you miss the sound of the bridge, or are glad it is gone.

An outside relax-and-listen session in Narrowsburg can be quiet and peaceful, but don’t be surprised when an artificial sound comes emanating from a local business, train or church. These sounds create this town’s aura and appeal. It gives this town an identity unrepeatable due to its unique landscape, which allows the sounds to travel over the waters and through the narrows of the landscape.

The sounds of Narrowsburg have a special place in my heart and soul. The childhood memories of playing on the snowbanks outside the old Narrowsburg School, and the teenage bike groups pedaling around the Flats, are two memories that come to mind when I hear the sounds of Narrowsburg.

To some folks, the sounds may be annoying, surprising or startling. But for me, they are sounds of comfort and nostalgia that cannot be replicated by any band or AI sound production. Whether it be in Narrowsburg or any other town or location, I encourage you to take some time to step outside and listen this week. Find a spot, sit down, and focus on the sounds in that area. This is a nice way to relax and feel more connected to where you live or where you are visiting. Shhh. Did you hear that?