Cobleskill Historians to Hear Farming with Dynamite

COBLESKILL — Local Author Dana Cudmore will offer “Farming With Dynamite: The Forgotten Stone Boom in Schoharie County,” at the Thursday, Jan. 9 meeting of the Cobleskill Historical Society.

The society meets at 6 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building, South Grand Street, Cobleskill. Cudmore’s program will begin following a short business meeting.

Cudmore’s program is based on his October 2023 “Farming With Dynamite” book, which documents the 1890-1905 “stone boom,” when dozens of Schoharie County quarries supplied cut stone and cement for major construction projects like the Brooklyn Bridge, State Capitol, and the NYS Barge Canal System.

For the historical society’s program, Cudmore will take a specific look at the Cobleskill-area quarries, the largest of the period, employing hundreds of men. A question-and-answer period will follow, and signed copies of the “Farming With Dynamite” book will be available.

There is no charge to attend.

The Cobleskill Historical Society is in the process of rejuvenating itself following a hiatus during the COVID pandemic.

Former members are strongly encouraged to re-join the group and new members are welcome. Dues are $10 for the year.  The society is a nonprofit, 501c (3) organization and membership donations are tax deductible.

Checks may be sent to: The Town of Cobleskill Historical Society, PO Box 423, Cobleskill, NY 12043.