2025 News | Historical Society of Middletown

Scavenger Hunt Explores Margaretville

May 7, 2025 | 2025 News

MARGARETVILLE –A visual Scavenger Hunt of downtown Margaretville invites curious residents and visitors to explore Main Street by identifying architectural and sign details.

Offered by the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown, the hunt is a just-for-fun activity perfect for families looking for something to do, even on a rainy day. Hunters will try to find locations using 16 detail images (photos taken by Todd Pfleger). Participants who complete the answer sheet and mail it to HSM before July 20, or bring it to the July 26 Birthday Block Party celebrating Margaretville’s 150th anniversary, will be eligible for a prize.

The hunt can be done anytime through the year, with answers to be posted on the HSM website after July 26.

Photo and answer sheets can be found at Fairview Public Library on Walnut Street and the Village Office on Main Street, or at mtownhistory.org.

For more information, leave a message at 845-586-2400.

Scavenger Hunt Photos / Entry Form

HSM Hall Available to Rent

May 7, 2025 | 2025 News

MARGARETVILLE –The program hall of the Middletown History Center on Cemetery Road in Margaretville is available to rent for special functions.

The hall accommodates up to 80 people and is handicapped accessible, as is a rest room in the lobby.

A newly renovated caterer’s kitchen adjoins the hall.

Visit Mtownhistory.org to find an application form and additional information and requirements. Mail or email the application to HSM at least six weeks prior to the date of the event for board approval.

For more information on available dates, leave a message at 845-586-2400.

Rental Application

Margaretville Lauded by State Legislature

May 5, 2025 | 2025 News

The Margaretville Village Board will meet Thursday, May 8 at 4 p.m. to read from a NYS Legislative Resolution honoring the village at the 150th anniversary of its incorporation. The Resolution was passed by both the Senate and the Assembly March 20, and the village was to be honored on the floor of the Senate in Albany May 6 with Village representatives present.

The Village Board will observe the milestone May 8, the day a public vote in 1875 approved the formation of a system of governance for what had been an unincorporated hamlet. The public is warmly invited. Cake will be served. The regular monthly meeting of the trustees will follow the reading and reception.

The Resolution, introduced by Senator Pete Oberacker (51st Senate) and Assemblyman Brian Maher (101 Assembly), provides an overview of village history and concludes, “. . . the Village of Margaretville continues to provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents (who) have a bright outlook for the future of their community. In recognition of Margaretville’s rich history and enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to pay tribute to the spirited village upon the occasion of its 150th Anniversary.”

The Sesquicentennial celebration will continue July 13, with an illustrated program on Village history at the Middletown History Center, and July 26, when a Birthday Block Party will be held on Main Street.

Businesses are encouraged to hang banners, decorate their store fronts and/or create appropriate window displays.

For updates on the Sesquicentennial, visit villageofmargaretville.com or mtownhistory.org.

Folk artists spotlighted in HSM exhibit

Apr 25, 2025 | 2025 News

The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) will shine a light on two folk artists whose work will be exhibited at the Middletown History Center this year.

Basket maker Karl Amor (1906-1992) and metal sculptor Joseph Schoell (1907-1993) practiced their crafts just a couple miles from each other in Dunraven. Both had escaped oppression and upheaval in their home countries of Estonia and Hungary, and both found peace and inspiration in the Catskills.

Their lives and art will be on display at the History Center, 778 Cemetery Road, Margaretville on the first Friday and Saturday of each month May through November from 10 to 2, as well as afternoons of scheduled programs.

The first opportunity to see the exhibit, and to visit the Nicholas J. Juried Archives, will be May 2 and 3 from 10 to 2, as well as during the Kids Kingdom reunion Sunday, May 4 from 2 to 4.

Karl Amor baskets, woven from willow shoots, grapevines and spruce roots gathered by the artist along roadsides and streambanks, have been highly sought by local residents as well as folk art collectors. The HSM display features baskets recently donated to the historical society by folklorist Mary Zwolinski. A selection of these baskets will be sold at silent auction in October.

Joseph Schoell, once a sheet metal worker in Hungary, is remembered for his dynamic creations in metal. A castle, a knight, a space shuttle and a striking Statue of Liberty were among the works that went from being traffic-stopping lawn ornaments to museum pieces in the 1990s.

HSM is planning spring and summer programs and events that include the May 4 Kids Kingdom Reunion, a talk on the Delaware & Northern Railroad by John Duda on June 8 and a program on the history of Margaretville July 13, part of Village Sesquicentennial festivities. An “Armchair” version of HSM’s popular Living History Cemetery Tour will be held August 23 and 24 at Open Eye Theater.

To make an appointment for a research visit to the archives, call 845-586-2400.

HSM will clean headstones during May

Apr 10, 2025 | 2025 News

Before

After

The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) will offer a headstone cleaning service at Middletown area cemeteries during the month of May.
In the weeks leading up to Memorial Day, HSM’s trained volunteers will use D-2, a non-toxic cleaning agent, to remove algae, lichen and age-related grime from monuments and headstones in this annual fundraiser.

This service is provided at a cost of $30 for a single stone, $50 for two stones or a two-sided stone. To take advantage of this offer, send a check and contact information, along with name(s) on the headstone(s) and the cemetery, to

HSM
PO Box 734
Margaretville, NY 12455

For more information, leave a message at 845-586-2400, or historicalsocietyofmiddletown@gmail.com.

The Historical Society is preparing for its 2025 season of programs and special events. Find details at mtownhistory.org.

Margaretville celebrates 150th birthday in 2025

Mar 11, 2025 | 2025 News

The Village of Margaretville will mark the 150th anniversary of its incorporation this year.

The Village Board will observe the milestone when it meets May 8, the day a public vote in 1875 approved the formation of a system of governance for what had been an unincorporated hamlet.

An illustrated program, to be held Sunday, July 13 at 2 p.m. at the Middletown History Center, will detail the story of Margaretville’s development, focusing on the past century and a half. The talk will cover the impact of railroads, wars, floods and technological progress on businesses, schools, hospitals, civic groups and families.

A block dance will be held on Main Street Saturday, July 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. The street will be partially closed, music will be provided by Sue’s Garage, vintage cars will be on display, food will be available for purchase, and a community portrait will be taken like those taken in 1979 and 2000. Everyone is welcome to be part of this special commemoration.

Mayor John Hubbell, with Trustees Iris Mead, Sarah Hubbell, Dave Budin and Jeff Warren; the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, and the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown are spearheading the birthday celebration. Contact Iris Mead or Carol O’Beirne if you have an idea for an activity, or would like to participate in some way.