Busy November Planned at Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association

SCHOHARIE — After wrapping up two fundraisers in late September – the annual Model Train Show and the 48th annual Fall Antiques in Schoharie – there’s more in store at Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association.

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, the Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum will host local author Dana Cudmore, who will discuss his new book, “The Cave Electrician’s Widow: The Tragedy at Howe Caverns & Dramatic Courtroom Fight for Justice,” in the Creamery Building at 143 Depot Lane in Schoharie. 

The presentation is free, but donations will be accepted. Refreshments will also be served.

“We’re looking forward to hosting this presentation by Dana Cudmore, who has published a few books on caverns and caves in Schoharie County,” said Thom Fries, director of the Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum, which is part of the nonprofit Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association. “We hope people take this opportunity to come and hear about the disaster in the caverns.”

As a college-age tour guide at Howe Caverns during the 1970s, Cudmore was often asked the question – did anybody die down there? Unknown to many, the answer is yes.

Cudmore’s new book chronicles the April 1930 tragedy at Howe Caverns and legal battle that sought to hold those believed accountable. Part David vs. Goliath, and part mystery, courtroom drama and travelogue through the underground realm of the caverns, the book reveals a little-known episode from the famous tourist destination’s past. 

A 1972 graduate of Schoharie High School, Cudmore has written four books on the caves and limestone quarries of New York’s “cave country.”

Cudmore’s professional career included stints as a reporter, news and book editor, public relations director at SUNY Cobleskill, and head of his own communications agency. A resident of Cobleskill, he retired in 2020 after a dozen years as an external affairs officer for FEMA.

In addition to Cudmore’s presentation, the Fill the Bakery Cupboard Committee has issued a call for baked goods for the upcoming 47th annual Holiday Craft Bazaar, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22-24, at 143 Depot Lane in Schoharie.

Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association is seeking donations of sweet and savory delights from local bakers, which can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, or on Friday, Nov. 22.

The nonprofit association uses the funds it raises at the Holiday Craft Bazaar to operate the Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum, the 1743 Palatine House Museum (Schoharie County’s oldest building), and the Children’s Summer Theater Program.

Some of that money comes from selling donated homemade desserts. Volunteers (many of whom have been soliciting baked goods for decades) have been hitting the phones to get the word out that the SCHA Bakery Cupboard is in need of donations.

“Holiday Craft Bazaar shoppers look forward to our made-from-scratch menu, especially topping their choices off with a wee bit of something sweet,” the Fill the Bakery Cupboard Committee said in an email. “We love showcasing our local bakers’ talents and welcome your donated, mouthwatering cookies, brownies, pies and cakes for our upcoming event.” 

The committee also reached out to local businesses like The Carrot Barn, 518-295-7139, and Apple Barrel, 518-295-7179 (Apple Barrel orders must be placed by Saturday, Nov. 2) who said they would have pies available for purchase, which can then be donated to Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association.

To donate your homemade bakery item or local pie order, email sadbramer@gmail.com, donnabbott2008@yahoo.com or bsharpe2@nycap.rr.com. 

For information about the presentation, contact Fries at 518-569-3395, or go to https://www.schoharieheritage.org.