The mystery of Joseph Skinner, and other Upper Delaware horrors

NARROWSBURG, NY — Cushetunk resident Joseph Skinner is believed to be the first European murdered in the Upper Delaware River Valley, and that 18th-century crime has never been solved. In fact, there was enough blood spilled in the valley in the years leading up to and during the Revolutionary War that there are bound to be a few spirits roaming about, even to this day, Sullivan County Historian John Conway said.

The unanswered question of who killed Joseph Skinner, and other colonial-era ghost stories will be the focal point of an evening of family-oriented fun. It’s all happening from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, at the Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History in Narrowsburg.

The Haunted History Lantern Tour will feature guided tours of the fort by lantern light. Period-attired interpreters will relate ghost stories with a local flavor.

There will also be musical entertainment provided by special guests The Tara Minstrels, who will perform around the campfire.  Admission costs $10 per person and $20 per family of up to four children and adults. There will also be food available for purchase, with all proceeds going to benefit the Tusten Youth Group.

The Haunted History Lantern Tour is a fundraiser for The Delaware Company, a nonprofit history education group dedicated to supporting and promoting the history and historic landmarks of the Upper Delaware River valley and beyond.      

The event will be held even if there are intermittent showers. If the rain is heavy or steady, the rain date is Saturday, October 16. Announcements will be made on The Delaware Company Facebook page.

Those attending are asked to bring their own flashlights.

For more information, see the Delaware Company Facebook page at TheDelCo.

SUNY Sullivan VP will sign books on October 9

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — He’s not just an administrator; he’s also a published—and recognized—author.

SUNY Sullivan’s interim vice-president of academic and student affairs, Lawrence Weill, was recently named a featured author for the 2021 Kentucky Book Festival, an annual, juried celebration of the best books in Kentucky, Weill’s home state. 

His latest release and fifth novel, “Silas LaMontaie,” will be featured at the event. That puts him in company with Bobbie Ann Mason, Silas House, Wendell Berry, and other authors who have been recognized there.

On Saturday, October 9, at 5 p.m., Weill will be signing copies of “Silas LaMontaie” at One Grand Books in Narrowsburg, NY.

He is currently finishing up his sixth book, “Growing Up at Dad’s Table,” a creative nonfiction publication that includes recipes.

For more information about Weill’s work, see his Facebook page @lawrence.weill.1.

Joel Hill Sawmill open for tours

LOOKOUT, PA — The 19th century Joel Hill Water-Powered Sawmill will be open for tours and demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., both days.

The mill is normally only open once in October, but since earlier Mill Days in the summer were canceled due to the pandemic, the crew decided to offer these final bonus days to the community. The falls are usually spectacular, according to the Equinunk Historical Society (which runs the sawmill) “and the scenic location is enhanced by the fall colors.”

The number of persons on the tours is limited to allow for safe distancing. The programs are free. Donations are not required but always welcome. The adjacent Cleveland Museum of industrial machinery will also be open.

The mill is reached from Creek Rd., just south of the Equinunk Fire House on Route 191. For more information and to register, call Greg Quaglio at 570/798-2420.

Twelve scarecrows in Roscoe

ROSCOE, NY — The Roscoe Rockland Garden Club recently met to create scarecrows to welcome fall in Roscoe. The 12 very individual scarecrows can be found throughout the town in gardens, at the library, and at the school. The club plans to make this a tradition.

 The club’s next meeting is on October 8.  It meets monthly from March to December and welcome new members. Visit them on Facebook at Roscoe-Rockland Garden Club.  For information contact Karen Bowers at Kab.bowers@gmail.com.

Pressing apples for cider at Time and the Valleys Museum.

An old-style cider press still makes great cider.

Cider-making on the farm

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY — Learn how to make cider the old-fashioned way. “Cider Making on the 1930s Catskill Farm” will be held on Sunday, October 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Time and the Valleys Museum on St. Rt. 55 (332 Main Street) in Grahamsville. Participants can experience cider making as it was done in the past, with a hand cider press.

Restored by Museum Trustee David Forshay, the hand press will press fresh local apples after they have been ground in an old-time grinder. The apple-pressing process and its importance on family farms will be discussed, and a cider-making historical display can be explored.

All of the buildings on the 1930s farm will be open for visitors, including the farmhouse, barn, milk house, electric plant and working waterwheel building.  

Cider making has a long history and was important on any farm that had an apple orchard. Since the safety of drinking water was still a concern in early America, cider continued to be the best choice. Early settlers also believed that cider aided in the prevention of many illnesses and helped them live a long life.

 Members can attend free of charge. For non-members there is a fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children. That includes the cider-making demonstration, admission to the 1930s Lost Catskill Farm and to the museum’s three floors of interactive exhibitions.   

For more information, see the Time and the Valleys website at timeandthevalleysmuseum.org.

Members of the Knights Order Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club from Orange and Sullivan counties and the Knights of Columbus from St. Peter's Church in Monticello joined the New Hope Community volunteers and staff at Hope Farm, to help harvest on the grounds of SUNY Sullivan.

Volunteers from the Knights Order and Knights of Columbus picked a crop of organic potatoes and peppers during a day of service. ....

Tara, who works on the farm, introduces Knights Order member and New Hope Community parent David Lee to the many chickens who supply fresh eggs.

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Harvesting at Hope Farm

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — Last week, we reported on a bumper crop of peppers and potatoes, collected by the Knights Order Motorcycle Club, the Knights of Columbus from St. Peter’s Church in Monticello, and many helpers from the New Hope Community.

But photos really show off the project. New Hope photographers documented the event, so now we can appreciate just how much work it took to harvest all that veg.

The farm is on the grounds of SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake. For more information, visit New Hope’s website at www.newhopecommunity.org.

Assistance available for Pike/Wayne renters and landlords

MILFORD, PA ― Renters and landlords experiencing financial insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for rental and utility assistance through the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

To quality for assistance aimed at helping to avoid eviction or utility loss, applicants must meet specific requirements and provide supporting documents.

Renters or landlords in Pike and Wayne counties can visit www.needrenthelp.com for more information about the ERAP or to complete a brief online application.