The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) will host a slide show of historic images of Margaretville Wednesday, July 25 at 7 p.m. at the HSM hall, 778 Cemetery Road, Margaretville.

Admission is $2; HSM members get in free.

Halcottsville post card collector Lynda Stratton and daughter Kathy Roberts have organized a program of some 200 images of buildings, street scenes, river views and localized greetings. They range from the 1890s to the 1970s.

Pictured are business blocks, the hospital (old and new), the school, two covered bridges, several hotels, Delaware & Eastern (Northern) RR station and engines, several individual homes, and much more.

Some of the photos show places that are familiar to us today. Others have been gone for decades, and more than a few have been altered so much that they can barely be recognized.

Ten area residents will portray people from Middletown’s past in a “Living History Tour of Margaretville Cemetery” to be held Saturday, June 30 by the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM). Rain date is July 1.

Margaretville Cemetery is located on Cemetery Road, one block off upper Main Street (NYS Route 30).

This is an opportunity to enjoy a summer evening’s stroll through the historic park-like cemetery to get acquainted with some of the movers, shakers and just plain folk who populated Middletown’s colorful past.

The one-hour walking tour, led by costumed docents, will be offered every 20 minutes starting at 6 p.m. The last tour starts at 8 p.m. and concludes at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10; $5 for children aged 8-15. Water and snacks will be available for purchase.

The cast and docents, with directors Frank Canavan and Joyce St. George, pose during dress rehearsal June 27.

Tours are limited to 20 people and will be filled first come, first served. The route is less than a mile, and is generally flat, with one short, moderate hill climb. One golf cart per tour will be available to accommodate people with mobility issues. Those who need this assistance are advised to call 845-586-4973 in advance to reserve a tour time. No other reservations will be taken.

Please note there are no sanitary facilities at the cemetery.

This unique opportunity to visit with Middletown’s dear departed begins with a welcome at the cemetery gate from Undertaker Charles Gorsch, played by John Hartner.

Other subjects include J. Francis and Adah Murphy, founders of the Pakatakan Artists Colony in Arkville (played by Fred Margulies and Elizabeth Sherr); farmer George Hendricks (played by George Hendricks, Jr.); doctor, legislator, editor and anti-war advocate Orson Allaben (portrayed by John Bernhardt); and famed outdoorsman and animal trainer Niles Fairbairn (portrayed by Michael Fairbairn).